Planned Parenthood Responds to Latest AR. Abortion Vote
By: Julia Dodson
Updated: March 7, 2013
The new law, The Fetal Heartbeat Protection Act, bans abortions at 12 weeks into a pregnancy. That's when a fetal heartbeat can typically be detected by an abdominal ultrasound. The ban sets up the sharpest challenge yet to Roe VS. Wade, passed 40 years ago by the U.S. Supreme Court. The House got 56 votes to override the Governor's veto Wednesday; only 51 votes were needed. But the battle isn't over yet. The ACLU says the 12-week abortion law is headed to federal court and an eventual overturn. Planned Parenthood is also responding. You can read the organization's latest statement below.
From Wednesday, March 7, 2013:
Sad Day for Arkansas Women
LITTLE ROCK, AR -Today, The Arkansas House voted to override Governor Mike Beebe's veto of the 12-week abortion ban. This is the second time in two weeks the Arkansas Legislature has voted to support an unconstitutional abortion ban vetoed by the Governor.
Statement from Planned Parenthood of the Heartland President and CEO Jill June:
"This truly is a sad day for Arkansas women. The Arkansas Legislature has once again disregarded women's health care and passed the most extreme anti-woman's health bill in the country. This bill puts the health and safety of Arkansas women and their families at risk. A woman may need an abortion for many different reasons, and she should be trusted to make her own personal private medical decisions. With this bill, the Arkansas Legislature will force many women to seek unsafe care. Arkansas lawmakers have made restricting women's access to health care their top priority this year. We are fearful this is just the beginning of many more extreme unconstitutional bills to come. Planned Parenthood will continue to fight these bills and stand up [for] women in Arkansas. We will do all we can to help women receive the health care they need."
