A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, said the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest.
“This new 25-page law claims to be streamlining and fixing the last almost 50 years of Louisiana law on abortion, but it actually makes it a little more confusing and complicated,” said Landry.
Landry said prior abortion laws were based on Roe v. Wade remaining in place and now with Senate Bill 342 awaiting Governor Edwards’s signature…
“A lot of us are talking and are very worried about this and we thought he’s our Hail Mary let’s try to explain it to him one last time and ask him if he would think about vetoing this bad legislation,” said Landry.
To date, Landry said they haven’t received a response from Edwards if he will either sign or veto the legislation, but she said she has received feedback from some constituents.
“Too often when it comes to reproductive rights, or basically anything having to do with women and children, so many people don’t say anything at all and they’re grateful that someone is saying something and pushing back,” said Landry.
After a document was leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year, Roe v. Wade is expected to be officially overturned this summer.