**UPDATE: Louisiana’s Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed a fetal heartbeat abortion ban, breaking with his own party. – AP**
Louisiana lawmakers have passed a strict ban on abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy, without rape or incest exceptions.
Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the following statement today on his intention to sign Senate Bill 184 when it reaches his desk, following final passage by the Louisiana Legislature.
Gov. Edwards said:
“In 2015, I ran for governor as a pro-life candidate after serving as a pro-life legislator for eight years. As governor, I have been true to my word and my beliefs on this issue. But it is also my sincere belief that being pro-life means more than just being pro-birth.
My first act as governor was to expand access to health care for working Louisianans. I have worked with Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature to expand investment in education and pass sweeping criminal justice reforms. For each of the last three years, my administration has set records for the number of children being adopted out of our foster care system. And despite fierce opposition, I’ve fought to ensure LGBT citizens are not discriminated against in the workplace, to raise the minimum wage, and to pay a woman the same as a man for doing the same job.
I know there are many who feel just as strongly as I do on abortion and disagree with me – and I respect their opinions. As I prepare to sign this bill, I call on the overwhelming bipartisan majority of legislators who voted for it to join me in continuing to build a better Louisiana that cares for the least among us and provides more opportunity for everyone.”
