Alabama Senate Passes Toughest Abortion Ban Bill In US
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 15, 2019 | 10:20 AM
Miami, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2019 ) :The Alabama senate passed the most restrictive abortion bill in the United States on Tuesday that bans any termination of pregnancy and could punish doctors who perform the procedure with life in prison.
The text, which the Republican-led senate sent to Governor Kay Ivey's desk for signature into law, does not include exceptions in cases of rape or incest.
Under the bill, performing an abortion is considered a crime that could land doctors who perform it in prison for 10 to 99 years. Abortions would only be legal if the life of the mother is in danger or the fetus has a fatal condition.
The largest human rights defense organization in the United States, the ACLU, promised to file a lawsuit to block its implementation, saying the vote showed "how little they (conservative lawmakers) regard bodily autonomy." "This bill punishes victims of rape and incest by further taking away control over their own bodies and forcing them to give birth," it added.
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, who also presides over the state senate, greeted the bill's passage as a "strong step toward defending the rights of the unborn." "With liberal states approving radical late-term and post-birth abortions, Roe must be challenged, and I am proud that Alabama is leading the way," he added.
The bill's backers have expressly said they want to bring the case to the Supreme Court.
Now that the court has a conservative majority in the wake of President Donald Trump's election, some Republicans want to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade ruling that recognized women's right to abortion.
"You just raped the state of Alabama yourself," state senate Democratic leader Bobby Singleton said after senators eliminated an amendment seeking exceptions to the abortion ban.
"You're saying to my daughter you don't matter in the state of Alabama... It's ok for men to rape you and you're gonna have his baby if you get pregnant," he added, his voice sometimes breaking with emotion.
Several conservative states are weighing harsh anti-abortion laws, intending some of them to be challenged and reach the Supreme Court.
States with liberal majorities, however, are seeking safeguards to the right to abortion in their own constitutions.
This year alone, 28 of the 50 US states have introduced more than 300 new rules to limit abortion, according to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, which defends women's rights.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Speakers stress burn prevention measures
SU extends deadline for submission of LLB (Hons) exam forms with late fee
More rain expected in various areas of Balochistan during next 24 hours
IGP Sindh chairs meeting on foreigners' security
Barrister Gohar's criticism against president Zardari, a ridiculous act: Sharjee ..
Irrigation Dept to enforce water rotation owing to low flows in Indus river
Commissioner for integrated efforts to make Karachi encroachment-free
Wheat procurement drive in Sargodha from April 22
Supreme Court dismisses accused's bail plea
Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique outline ..
Police claim to arrest four outlaws with illegal weapons
Islamabad to host LIIBS 7th edition on April 23, 24
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
9 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago