Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards today signed a key pro-life bill to help women and save babies from abortion.
The Louisiana legislature approved a handful of pro-life bills to protect unborn babies and mothers from abortion, including one informing mothers of the life-saving abortion pill reversal protocol.
The Abortion Pill Reversal Disclosure Act (House Bill 578), sponsored by state Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Houma, received overwhelming support in a 31-7 vote in the Senate. The state House previously passed the bill in a 71-27 vote.
The bill adds information about the abortion pill reversal protocol to state informed consent requirements. It requires abortion facilities to inform women that the first abortion drug in medication abortions may be reversed and their unborn baby’s life may be saved if they change their mind about the abortion between pills.
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed HB 578, the Abortion Pill Reversal Disclosure Act, giving every woman the right to change her mind after her chemical abortion and possibly save her baby.
Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, told LifeNews.com that he appreciated the governor signing the bill.
He said: “We are excited that the Abortion Pill Reversal Disclosure Act is now law. Every woman receiving a chemical abortion will now know that she can talk to a doctor if she regrets her abortion to see if options are available to help her continue the pregnancy and save her baby. More than 2,000 babies have been saved across America thanks to the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol, and we expect even more babies to be born thanks to this legislation.”
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Clapper told LifeNews the bill requires that when a physician or agent thereof administers mifepristone (the first abortion pill in the chemical/medical abortion process) to a pregnant woman, he must provide a disclosure statement letting her know that if, after taking the first pill she regrets the abortion, she should consult a physician or healthcare provider immediately to determine if there are options available to help sustain her pregnancy.
He said the info can be stapled to the bag, envelope, or other package that contains misoprostol (the second abortion pill) for the pregnant woman to take at home or attached to the patient’s discharge instructions if the prescription for misoprostol is sent directly to a pharmacy.
“I led the Abortion Pill Reversal Disclosure Act on the Senate floor because I want women who regret their abortion to check with their doctor to see if they can save their baby,” said state Sen. Beth Mizell after the bill passed. “Every life is precious, and I want to help every woman get the life-saving information they need.”
The bill would require abortion facilities to tell women the following: “Research has indicated that the first pill provided, identified as mifepristone, is not always effective in ending a pregnancy. If after taking the first pill you regret your decision, please consult a physician or health care provider immediately to determine if there are options available to assist you in continuing your pregnancy.”
The abortion pill reversal protocol has been credited with saving more than 2,000 babies’ lives, and research indicates that it is safe and effective. Indiana passed a similar law in April.
Louisiana is a strong pro-life state. Last fall, 65 percent of its voters approved the Love Life Amendment, which amends the state constitution to declare that there is no constitutional right to abortion or taxpayer funding of abortion.
