A Note From the Desk of Family Council President Jerry Cox
On Thursday the Arkansas House of Representatives made history by passing three pro-life bills in the same afternoon. Not many years ago, we had to work very hard just to find a legislator who would introduce a pro-life bill. Over the years, Arkansas has become the fourth most pro-life state in the nation with Democrats controlling both houses of the legislature. Today, Republicans are in the majority and we’re enjoying great bi-partisan success on this issue.
House Bill 1037, sponsored by Rep. Andy Mayberry of Hensley, would essentially ban all abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. The bill passed the House with 80 votes and it now moves to the Governor for his signature. Fifty Republicans voted for this bill along with thirty Democrats. We were pleased to work with our friends at Arkansas Right to Life to help pass this bill.
Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Sen. Gary Stubblefield of Branch and Rep. Bob Ballinger of Hindsville, allows a pregnant woman to use lethal force in defending her unborn child from an assault. This bill received 93 votes and now goes to the Governor for his signature. Not one member of the legislature voted against this bill.
Senate Bill 134, sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert of Conway and Rep. Ann Clemmer of Benton, would prohibit abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy except in cases of rape, incest, to save the life of the mother, or in case of a medical emergency. This bill received 68 votes. Fifty Republicans supported the bill along with eighteen Democrats. This is the strongest pro-life bill I have seen filed in the Arkansas Legislature over the past 25 years. Ninety-three percent of abortions are performed on healthy mothers who are carrying healthy babies. They are neither victims of rape or incest. This bill seeks to prohibit those abortions that are for “birth-control” purposes. Sponsors of the bill estimate that it could save over 800 lives every year. Passage of this bill looks very likely.
Governor Beebe has expressed concerns about House Bill 1037 and Senate Bill 134. However, the strong margin by which both bills passed the House today should give the Governor pause about vetoing these bills. Under the Arkansas Constitution lawmakers can override the Governor’s veto with a simple majority vote. You can leave a message for the Governor by calling (501) 682-2345.
What you can do:
1. Find out how your legislator voted on these bills and let them know what you think about their vote.
2. Contact Governor Beebe and urge him to allow these bills to become law. He can do so without signing them.
3. Please pray for the continued success.
Contact information for your legislator, including how they voted on these and other bills, is at this link.
P.S. Our effort to launch the Arkansas Pastors Network is going well. We have seen a record number of pastors come to the Capitol to minister. Today, a small group of very strong pastors spent most of the morning encouraging lawmakers, praying for people at the Capitol, and ministering as led by the Holy Spirit.
You can reach me at Family Council at (501) 375-7000 or Jerry@FamilyCouncil.org.
Thank you so much for your prayers, your kind words, and your financial support that keeps us in the fight!
