Arkansas GOP not finished restricting abortion

Now Republicans in the state want to cut funding to Planned Parenthood

Published March 8, 2013 5:30PM (EST)

Fresh off passing the most restrictive abortion law in the country, Republicans in Arkansas are trying to pass another law that would cut funding to Planned Parenthood.

From the Associated Press:

State Senator Jason Rapert, who was behind legislation banning nearly all abortions beginning with the 12th week of pregnancy, now seeks to cut all public funding to Planned Parenthood, which does not perform surgical abortions in Arkansas but distributes the abortion pill. And the state’s top anti-abortion advocacy group is urging lawmakers to prohibit providers from remotely administering the abortion pill via a videoconference consultation.

Earlier this week, the state Legislature successfully voted to override Gov. Mike Beebe's veto of a measure that would ban all abortions after 12 weeks, except in cases of rape, incest and where the life of the mother is in danger.

Beebe said the measure is "blatantly unconstitutional” and violates Roe v. Wade -- and already pro-choice groups are preparing legal challenges to the law.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

MORE FROM Jillian Rayfield


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Abortion Anti-abortion Movement Arkansas Planned Parenthood Republicans