Legal Challenge Serves as a Reminder Why Arkansans Stand Strong for Life

Abortion, , ,

In recent news, Arkansas pro-lifers have been given an opportunity to publicly address abortion rhetoric and reiterate why Arkansas still stands as the most pro-life state in the nation.

Last week, a legal challenge was filed in Pulaski County to overturn Arkansas’ law that generally prohibits abortion except in cases to save the life of the mother. Many pro-lifers in the state have been anticipating another abortion amendment similar to the one that reared its head in 2024, but attorneys with Amplify Legal are representing plaintiffs who want to strike down current law that has been on the books since Roe v. Wade was overturned. 

Interestingly enough, the lawsuit addressed three different aspects of the pro-abortion argument, particularly in Arkansas:

  1. It claims Arkansas law is vague, restrictive and unconstitutional.
  2. It argues a woman ought to be able to abort her baby if the baby has a fetal abnormality.
  3. It says there should be exceptions to Arkansas’ law for rape.

The lawsuit does not have much legal basis, but we shouldn’t miss this opportunity to address their arguments straightforwardly. 

Is the Arkansas abortion law vague, restrictive, or unconstitutional? No, and here is why.

Act 180 was passed in 2019 to prohibit abortion except to save the life of the mother. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this law has saved many lives and prevented the lifetime trauma of abortion for many mothers. Many of these mothers were invited into loving pregnancy centers instead and given the help they needed to carry their babies to term and care for them after birth. This is the loving option — one that does not leave the lasting effects of trauma from abortion. Women deserve better than abortion and Arkansas law reflects the care and compassion that Arkansans offer to hurting women.

Arkansas’ abortion law was amended during the 2025 legislative session to better its clarify definitions and wording. It says that physicians should use “reasonable medical judgement” to determine whether an abortion is necessary. This is the same medical and legal standard used to make other important medical decisions. This effectively made the law crystal clear for both mothers and physicians and leaves no room for confusion or malpractice. 

Family Council and many other pro-life leaders have spoken out against exceptions for abortion for many years. Pro-abortionists use the 0.09% to justify 99% and that is wrong. Pro-lifers lead on this matter out of a heart of compassion, truth, and value for every human life. Adding abortion to trauma does not take away the pain of rape or fetal abnormality. In fact, it adds more pain and suffering for the mother, her family, and the baby. Abortion is not the answer. These situations demand compassion, care, justice, and active support and assistance. 

Though we are confident our courts ultimately will uphold Arkansas’ pro-life laws, let’s not miss this opportunity to tell our friends, family, and neighbors the truth of abortion and its devastation. There is a better way — and abortion is not it.

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Remembering Charlie Kirk

In Memoriam,

There are certain people whose lives leave an indelible mark on the world and when tragedy strikes, their voice is looked to for comfort and answers. Charlie Kirk was one of those voices, but on September 10, his voice was no longer there. The tragic assassination of the 31 year old conservative activist, author, speaker, husband, father, and Christian has left us shocked, grieving, and wondering what to do next amidst such evil. We cannot comprehend the heinous act and grieve for his family and Turning Point USA staff. 

I first heard of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA many years ago as they began growing traction on the national stage alongside their online presence. Turning Point USA, the organization he helped start and lead, promotes free speech and conservative values on school campuses — including schools in Arkansas. I first met a TPUSA state director over four years ago and was very impressed by the thoroughness of his work. He went from campus to campus in Arkansas, leading and encouraging Turning Point groups, and he put great effort toward investing in young people all across the state. 

In 2021, I was invited to speak at a TPUSA event at Ecclesia College in Northwest Arkansas and met dear friends that night. There again I realized how important the impact TPUSA was having on my state and the United States. I saw it as a countercultural movement that spoke truth into the next generation. That was who Charlie Kirk was. And that is why his loss hits so hard. 

Another impact point for Arkansas is in 2017, our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of a local Turning Point USA student chapter against Arkansas State University in Jonesboro after the university tried to restrict free speech on campus to sanctioned “free speech” zones. The university’s policy at the time reportedly restricted free speech to 1% of its campus.

The lawsuit prompted the Arkansas Legislature to pass Act 184 of 2019 — the FORUM Act — preventing public colleges and universities from infringing on the free speech of students and faculty on campus. Family Council was pleased to support that good law, but it might never have passed if Turning Point USA hadn’t taken a stand for free speech on campus.

The impact of Turning Point was due to its leader and the truth that he held onto. Charlie was a man of deep faith and he was outspoken about it. Not only that, he practiced his faith, leading his family by example. He led a nationwide movement that reached into the grassroots and impacted hearts and minds. We may never know the extent of his influence on this side of Heaven. But the great thing about Charlie is that he had his priorities straight. Charlie believed that God, family, and country, in that order, were of utmost importance. He fought for them, he lived for them, and in the end, he gave his life for them. We will never forget his life and the impact he made. 

What are Christians to do when faced with such a tragic event, the loss of a voice like Charlie’s, and the fear to speak truth in the public square? It can be tempting to shut the door and hide away. I thank God that this movement and the church aren’t made up of people who back down when faced with evil. We face challenges head-on and continue to speak the truth into a violent and hostile world because Christ is our example and beckoning guide, and the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before are cheering us on. 

Charlie Kirk’s murder is a heartbreaking tragedy. I ask all of you to join our team in praying for Charlie’s family and our nation. 

Erin Hogan serves as Director of Government Relations for Family Council.

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