Measure Would Permit Pro-Life “Baby Boxes” at Volunteer Fire Stations in Arkansas

Abortion, , , ,

On Monday Rep. Julie Mayberry (R – Hensley) and Sen. Missy Irvin (R – Mountain View) filed H.B. 1098 permitting Safe Haven Baby Boxes at volunteer fire stations in Arkansas.

Arkansas’ Safe Haven Act of 2001 lets a woman surrender her newborn baby to law enforcement, medical personnel, and first responders.

The law gives women with unplanned pregnancies an option besides abortion, and it protects newborns from being abandoned.

Similar laws are on the books in all 50 states.

Act 185 of 2019 by Sen. Cecile Bledsoe (R – Rogers) and Rep. Rebecca Petty (R – Rogers) improved Arkansas’ Safe Haven law by letting fire stations install Safe Haven Boxes — sometimes called ‘baby boxes’ — where women can anonymously place their newborn. Placing a baby inside the box triggers a silent alarm notifying first responders about the child.

Since then, multiple babies in Arkansas have been saved by these baby boxes.

H.B. 1098 makes it possible for volunteer fire departments to install baby boxes at their stations, provided that the department maintains and monitors the baby box in accordance with state law, and first responders are able to reach the baby in less than four minutes.

Now that abortion is prohibited in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother, it is essential for our state to assist women with unplanned pregnancies. Safe Haven Baby Boxes give women real options besides abortion, and H.B. 1098 will expand the number of potential locations where these baby boxes can operate in Arkansas.

Read H.B. 1098 Here.

READ MORE

Bill Filed to Prohibit Drag Performances On Public Property or Near Children

Legislation, Legislature, Transgender, ,

On Monday Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch) and Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville) filed S.B. 43 prohibiting drag performances on public property or in view of children.

The bill effectively would prevent drag shows at public libraries, public schools, or anywhere else where children might be.

Over the past few years public schools, colleges, and libraries in Arkansas have scheduled drag performances — including performances intended for children. Some of these events have been canceled following public backlash.

At public libraries in particular there has been a push to let men dressed up as exaggerated, hyper-sexualized caricatures of women read books to children. In some parts of the country events like these have exposed children and families to sexual predators.

Drag shows should not take place on public property or anywhere near children. S.B. 43 would protect children from these performances.

You can read S.B. 43 here.

Photo Credit: YouTube Screenshot.

READ MORE