Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat who has supported most anti-abortion legislation, today told the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge that he's against a bill pending before the House that would effectively classify abortion and even some forms of contraception as homicide.
HB 813 by Rep. Danny McCormick (R-Oil City) would legally declare that life begins at the moment of fertilization, and would call for prosecution of women who have abortions, as well as doctors who perform them or prescribe pregnancy-terminating medication.
Opponents of the bill argued that it not only criminalizes abortion, it would also create legal problems in the area of in-vitro fertilization if an embryo dies.
Even two of Louisiana's most ardent anti-abortion groups, Louisiana Right to Life and The Louisiana Family Forum, said HB 813 is bad legislation.
It is a rare move for Gov. Edwards, who has often declined to comment on bills until they reach their final form. In a statement, the governor said:
"My Catholic Christian faith teaches me to be pro-life, which is something I’ve been honest and upfront about with the people of Louisiana, who I believe mostly agree with me.
"But House Bill 813 is not a pro-life bill. In addition to the fact that this legislation is patently unconstitutional, this bill would criminalize the use of certain types of contraception, as well as parts of the in vitro fertilization process, and it could even serve as a barrier to life-saving medical treatment for a woman who is suffering a miscarriage. To suggest that a woman would be jailed for an abortion is simply absurd.
"This legislation is radical and it goes far beyond simply being pro-life. I do not normally comment on these types of bills before they’ve made it through the legislative process, but I felt I had to join my voice to the chorus of pro-life organizations against HB 813.
"Working together, we can create a Louisiana that values life and supports women, children and families. House Bill 813’s proposals are not the way to do that here or anywhere else."
