House to Debate Tough Abortion Bill
State lawmakers are expected to pass a so-called “Heartbeat Bill” this week. This would add Louisiana to the growing number of states placing restrictions on abortion rights.
The bill is sponsored by Shreveport Senator John Milkovich who is optimistic the measure will pass in the House and then head to the Governor's desk. Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has indicated he will sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Milkovich says “We believe children are a gift from God.” His bill provides that once a heartbeat is detected, the baby can’t be killed. That would prohibit abortions from about 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio have also approved bans on abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. None of those are yet in force.
Milkovich cautions, though, that the Senate added an amendment which delays implimentation until the Mississippi law is resolved in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
President Trump recently tweeted he believes some of the states’ laws go too far.