On Wednesday morning Democratic Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill into law that bans dismemberment abortions.
Louisiana becomes the latest state to bar the practice, also known as the dilation and evacuation method, in which an unborn child, usually in the second trimester of pregnancy, has its limbs ripped off and skull crushed by forceps or clamps.
The bill’s author, Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican from Bossier City, said the legislation is about “more than just good public policy.”
“This legislation is a statement about who we are as a people,” LifeNews.com quoted Mr. Johnson. “In Louisiana, we believe every human life is valuable and worthy of protection, and no civil society should allow its unborn children to be ripped apart.”
“Incredible as it seems, we need a law to say that,” he said. “We have it now.”
The state senate passed the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Act last month by an overwhelming 35 to 2 vote. Mr. Edwards indicated that he would sign the bill after it cleared the legislature.
Those found to have performed the procedure in the state now face fines or imprisonment.
Louisiana’s dismemberment abortion ban comes on the heels of a similar one in Alabama, which was signed by Republican Governor Robert Bentley last month.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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