Louisiana Governor Signs SB 342 Related to Louisiana’s Abortion Laws

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced on June 21, 2022, that he had signed Senate Bill 342 by Senator Katrina Jackson, which is related to the application of Louisiana’s abortion laws. While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which takes effect when Roe v. Wade is overturned, Senate Bill 342 would broaden the exceptions in the 2006 legislation to include cases of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Furthermore, this bill will confirm what was unclear in the 2006 legislation: emergency contraception is available for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed under Senate Bill 342.

Louisiana Governor Edwards said:

“My position on abortion has been unwavering. I am pro-life and have never hidden from that fact. This does not belie my belief that there should be an exception to the prohibition on abortion for victims of rape and incest. However, vetoing Senate Bill 342 would not accomplish that end. In fact, vetoing Senate Bill 342 would leave fewer exceptions in place than if the bill becomes law and would further confuse whether pregnancy begins at fertilization or implantation. For these reasons, I have signed Senate Bill 342 into law.”

Follow this link to read the Louisiana Governor’s signing letter on SB 342 (PDF).