Americans United for Life today released its annual report about the most pro-life and pro-abortion states when it comes to passing pro-life legislation that protects women and unborn children. Arizona was named most pro-life and Washington most pro-abortion.
This year, Arizona has gained the highly coveted number one ranking, closely followed by Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kansas. Washington remained at the bottom of the list, followed by California, Vermont, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Alabama and Texas made notable gains as well, each moving up in the rankings by five places after fighting hard to pass significant protections during their 2017 legislative sessions. Meanwhile, Illinois fell a disappointing seven spots following a contentious legislative session that resulted in the passage of several pro-abortion laws.
Steven Aden, AUL’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, told LifeNews today that legislators across the country are continuing to fight back against “an increasingly business-driven abortion industry that is determined to put its profit margins before the health and safety of women and children.”
He said that at least 19 states adopted more than 60 life-affirming measures in 2017, making it the most productive pro-life year since 2013. Some of the most significant abortion-related measures in 2017 included late-term abortion limitations, prohibitions on abortions based on sex and genetic abnormalities, ultrasound requirements, and financial or other support for abortion alternatives.
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In addition, states fought back against the physician-assisted suicide movement, defeating every attempt to legalize physician-assisted suicide, as well as passing proactive prohibitions to protect the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable.
“Americans United for Life is proud to have worked with lawmakers and policy leaders across the country to help pass these important, life-affirming measures in 2017,” said Catherine Glenn Foster, President and CEO of Americans United for Life. “We will continue to accumulate victories, build momentum, and advance a culture of life in America in 2018.”
