A Louisiana house committee today rejected more attempts at broadening exceptions to Louisiana's strict ban on abortions.
One bill, by Northshore Rep. Mary DuBuisson (R-Slidell) would clarified that doctors would not face charges for removing a miscarried fetus.
The other, from Rep. Candace Newell (D-New Orleans), would specify that removal of an ectopic pregnancy would not be considered an illegal abortion. An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube. A fetus would be unviable in such a case and could present a danger to the mother's health.
Supporters of the bills said they would make it easier on doctors and patients to make decisions without fear of repercussions, but opponents argued it was an attempt by what they call the "abortion industry" to chip away at Louisiana's restrictions in pursuit of profits.
So far, all efforts to ease up on Louisiana's abortion ban have failed this session. That includes an effort to allow victims of rape and incest who are impregnated by their abusers get an abortion.
