By Dave Andrusko
Arkansas State Sen. Missy Irvin
Earlier this afternoon, Arkansas became the latest state to require that abortionists be in the same room as the pregnant woman when she receives chemical abortifacients.
So-called webcam abortions are premised around just the opposite. The abortionist is in a hub miles (or even states) away and dispenses chemical abortifacients by remotely unlocking a drawer at her location. He never is in the same room as the pregnant woman.
That practice will not be allowed in Arkansas after pro-life Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed the bill today.
Last week the House overwhelmingly approved HB1076. Sponsored by State Rep. Julie Mayberry, the bill passed 85-3.
Arkansas State Rep. Julie Mayberry
Yesterday, an identical bill, SB53, sponsored by state Sen. Missy Irvin, passed the Senate by a vote of 28-5.
The law also requires abortionists to make “all reasonable efforts” to ensure that the woman returns between 12 and 18 days afterwards for follow-up examinations.
Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, told NRL News Today, “We are thrilled to get this law in place an effort that began when Planned Parenthood of the Heartland made a home in Arkansas.”
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is a massive and very aggressive affiliate, whose headquarters is in Iowa. PPH has since moved into Arkansas, Nebraska, and part of Oklahoma.