Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson had five days to sign House Bill 1032—the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. Yesterday, mere hours after the state Senate joined the state House in overwhelmingly approving a ban on this heinous abortion “technique,” Gov. Hutchinson signed the bill into law.
There are now seven states—Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana—which forbid an abortion “technique” that uses sharp metal clamps and scissors to crush, tear, and pulverize living unborn human beings, to rip heads and legs off of tiny torsos until the defenseless child bleeds to death.
The votes were lopsided in both houses. The Senate vote Thursday on HB 1032 was 25-6. The January 23 House vote was equally eye-opening—78-10.
“We are grateful that Governor Asa Hutchinson wasted no time in signing the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Act into law,” Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, told NRL News Today, “and put an end to this horrific abortion ‘procedure’ in Arkansas.” HB 1032 was Mimms’ organization’s number one priority for 2017.
HB 1032 takes effect in 90 days after the current regular legislative session ends.
Naturally, the ACLU will file a lawsuit to try to block the law, this courtesy of the group’s executive director, Rita Sklar.
Equally unsurprising, Rep. Andy Mayberry, the lead sponsor of the bill, expressed confidence in the bill’s constitutionality.
“There were promises of lawsuits,” Mayberry said, according to John Moritz of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “I hope it’s not challenged, but I’m very confident that it is written in such a way that it will withstand judicial scrutiny.”
“NRLC congratulates pro-life leaders in Arkansas,” said Ingrid Duran, director of NRLC’s Department of State Legislation. “They are building a culture of life where the lives of the vulnerable unborn are protected.”
Duran told NRL News Today the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act has also been introduced in Missouri, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas.
The introduction and passage of HB 1032 represent a significant victory for the pro-life movement in Arkansas and beyond. By banning the dismemberment abortion technique, Arkansas joins a growing list of states committed to protecting the lives of the unborn and ensuring that such violent procedures are no longer permissible. The overwhelming support in both legislative chambers highlights a strong consensus among Arkansas lawmakers that this practice is unacceptable and inhumane.
Governor Hutchinson’s swift action in signing the bill into law demonstrates his administration’s commitment to pro-life principles and the protection of the most vulnerable. The bill’s passage is expected to resonate throughout the nation, encouraging other states to consider similar legislation and reinforcing the broader movement to limit and eventually end the practice of dismemberment abortions.
The legal challenges anticipated from the ACLU and other pro-abortion rights groups are a common response to such legislation. These groups argue that the bans on dismemberment abortions infringe upon the rights established under Roe v. Wade and subsequent Supreme Court rulings. However, proponents of the bill, like Rep. Mayberry, remain optimistic that the carefully crafted language of HB 1032 will withstand judicial scrutiny and set a precedent for other states to follow.
As this legislation takes effect, the focus will also be on the practical implications and the support structures necessary for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Pro-life advocates emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive resources, including counseling, healthcare, and financial assistance, to ensure that women have access to the support they need to choose life for their unborn children.
Ingrid Duran’s remarks about the introduction of similar bills in other states indicate a coordinated effort within the pro-life community to expand these protections nationwide. This strategy aims to create a patchwork of state laws that cumulatively strengthen the legal framework against dismemberment abortions and other late-term abortion practices.
The passage of HB 1032 in Arkansas is not just a legislative success; it is a reaffirmation of the pro-life movement’s dedication to advocating for the unborn and challenging the norms of abortion practices in the United States. As more states join this initiative, the national conversation around abortion will increasingly focus on the ethical considerations and the protection of life at all stages of development.
In conclusion, the swift passage and signing of the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect the unborn. As the pro-life movement gains momentum, the continued advocacy for similar laws across the nation underscores a profound commitment to ending practices deemed violent and inhumane. This legislative victory, while likely to face legal challenges, represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a culture that values and defends the sanctity of human life.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
