On Monday the Arkansas Legislature passed H.B. 1610, a good bill clarifying the state’s pro-life laws.
Since 2022, Arkansas has prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
H.B. 1610 by Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R — Elm Springs) and Sen. Jimmy Hickey (R — Texarkana) would clarify the definition of “medical emergency” in state law, strengthen legal protections for doctors who treat pregnant women, and close possible loopholes in the current abortion law.
Under H.B. 1610, physicians would use “reasonable medical judgment” to determine whether abortion is necessary to save a woman’s life. This is the same medical and legal standard used to make other important medical decisions.
H.B. 1610 also makes it clear that psychological or emotional conditions cannot be used to justify abortion. This would help prevent an abortionist or a judge from trying to broaden Arkansas’ exceptions for abortion.
The bill clearly says that a child should not be aborted when there are other ways besides abortion to save the life of the mother.
And H.B. 1610 clarifies that a doctor does not violate the law if an unborn child accidentally or unintentionally dies because of legitimate medical treatment the doctor provided to the mother.
The bill passed with unanimous support from the senators present in the Arkansas Senate chamber on Monday afternoon. H.B. 1610 previously passed with overwhelming support in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Family Council deeply appreciates Rep. Robin Lundstrum, Sen. Jimmy Hickey, the state General Assembly, Arkansas Right to Life, and the pro-life leaders who championed this pro-life bill. H.B. 1610 is a good measure that will strengthen Arkansas’ pro-life laws and help protect women and unborn children from abortion.
The bill now goes to Governor Sanders to be signed into law.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
