(AP) – All local State Representatives showed their support for House Bill 1434, to create the sex discrimination by abortion prohibition, sponsored by Republican Charlie Collins of District 84.
The Arkansas House has voted to impose fines and prison time on doctors who perform abortions that are based solely on whether a woman wants to have a boy or girl, moving the state closer toward adopting a
“sex-selection” ban that opponents say is unconstitutional.
The House approved the bill on a 79-3 vote Tuesday, the latest among a series of abortion restrictions advancing months after Republicans expanded their majorities. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Under the measure, a doctor performing an abortion would ask the patient if she knows the sex of the child. If she does, the doctor lets her know that is illegal to have an abortion based solely on gender. Would-be parents can usually find out the sex of the child at the mother’s 20-week checkup. A 2013 state law prohibits abortions 20 weeks into a woman’s pregnancy.
Doctors who violate the ban could face up to a year in prison and up to a $2,500 fine if the measure becomes law, as well as civil penalties. Seven other states have similar abortion bans in effect.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI