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Tough abortion bill gets Jindal
Gov. Bobby Jindal officially signed into law a bill that aims to help protect the life of the unborn by requiring that women be advised of specific rights and options before they undergo an abortion.
Appearing at First Baptist Church in West Monroe Wednesday afternoon, Jindal signed HB 636 before a crowd of 100 spectators including elected officials.
Rep. Frank Hoffmann, R-West Monroe, authored HB 636. He secured 98 co-sponsors for the legislation, which the Legislature approved during the regular session earlier this year.
While there were several opponents to the bill during the regular session, Jindal said it was an important piece of legislation that he was happy to support.
"We already make sure criminals know their rights," Jindal said. "Before police arrest someone they inform them of all their rights under the law, so it's only common sense that we would do the same for women before they get an abortion."
"Women deserve to know their legal rights and the protections already afforded to them under the law, and we are confident that the more they know, the more they will choose life," Jindal continued. "We must foster an even greater culture of life in Louisiana – one that recognizes that those who are last will be first, and that it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us."
Hoffmann said the new law would allow women - who may be going through difficult circumstances - know there are other options besides abortion and he believes it will give them the information they need to make the best decision possible.
"When an unplanned pregnancy occurs we want to let folks know there are plenty of resources available," Hoffmann said. "We also want to let women know their legal rights so they aren't improperly forced into having an abortion."
"This bill will help accomplish that mission," Hoffmann added.
Jindal said the new law informs women of their options and will help protect their safety and the lives of unborn children in four specific ways.
Any outpatient abortion facility will be required to post a sign in each patient admission area, waiting room and patient consulting room outlining women's rights and their pregnancy resources.
The notice to women will read:
• You can't be forced. It is unlawful for anyone to make you have an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor.
• You and the father. The father of your child must provide support of the child, even if he has offered to pay for an abortion.
• You and adoption. The law allows adoptive parents to pay costs of prenatal care, childbirth, and newborn care.
• You are not alone. Many agencies are willing to help you carry your child to term, and to assist after your child's birth.
The law also requires that the informational signs include a link to a Department of Health and Hospitals website where more information on abortion alternatives is available for women to learn about other services available to them such as medical assistance, pregnancy resources, free ultrasound services and adoption services.
The new law also requires abortion clinic websites to provide a link on their homepages to the DHH website listing abortion alternatives and the rights of mothers.
The new law states as well that any outpatient abortion facility that knowingly employs a non-physician to perform an abortion may have its license revoked. |
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