Louisiana Gov. Edwards signs two new abortion laws, strengthening punishments for those assisting in abortions

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed two new abortion bills into law this week, strengthening punishments for anyone assisting in abortion procedures and making no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

The governor released a statement after signing Senate Bill 342, defending his decision to sign it in spite of his personal belief that exceptions should be made for abortions in cases of a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.

“My position on abortion has been unwavering. I am pro-life and have never hidden from that fact. This does not belie my belief that there should be an exception to the prohibition on abortion for victims of rape and incest,” Edwards said.

The statement continued, “However, vetoing Senate Bill 342 would not accomplish that end. In fact, vetoing Senate Bill 342 would leave fewer exceptions in place than if the bill becomes law and would further confuse whether pregnancy begins at fertilization or implantation. For these reasons, I have signed Senate Bill 342 into law.” 

The White House was quick to criticize the new laws, saying they are the latest in a series of Republican attacks on abortion. “The Louisiana legislature has taken the latest step in a growing attack against the fundamental freedoms of Americans,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

She added, “The President is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Americans afforded by Roe for nearly 50 years and ensuring that women can make their own choices about their lives, bodies, and families. An overwhelming majority of the American people agree and reject these kinds of radical measures.”

The new laws come as tensions about abortion rights rise across the country ahead of an impending decision by the Supreme Court that may overturn Roe v. Wade. The decision is expected to come down by the end of the month.