On Wednesday the Senate Public Health Committee passed a good bill to clarify Arkansas’ abortion laws.
Since 2022, Arkansas law has prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency. However, state law does not provide clear guidance about how doctors determine if a woman’s life is in jeopardy.
H.B. 1610 by Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R — Elm Springs) and Sen. Jimmy Hickey (R — Texarkana) would clarify the definition of “medical emergency” in Arkansas’ pro-life law.
The bill would strengthen legal protections for doctors who treat pregnant women. It would also close loopholes in the current abortion law — making it clear that abortion in Arkansas is prohibited except to save the mother’s life.
Arkansas has been named the most pro-life state in America, and over the years lawmakers have enacted dozens of good measures protecting women and unborn children from abortion.
H.B. 1610 is a good bill that would bring better clarity to Arkansas’ abortion laws and make it easier for the state to continue protecting innocent human life. The bill now goes to the entire Arkansas Senate for consideration.
Below is video footage of Sen. Hickey presenting H.B. 1610 during Wednesday’s committee meeting.
