Judges halt pro-life, pro-family laws in Arkansas

The state’s latest pro-life legislation protects nearly all babies from abortion except to save the life of a mother in a medical emergency. Federal judges have blocked that measure and one to safeguard children from transgender treatments that can have permanent effects. Both laws were set to take effect on July 28.

Why were they stopped? U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker said the pro-life law was “categorically unconstitutional” and likely would not survive a court challenge. Pro-lifers in Arkansas, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson, said they hoped the law would eventually lead to a Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Jay Moody said prohibiting doctors from providing treatments such as cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, and transgender surgery to youth could hurt those already receiving them. The state plans to appeal both decisions.

Dig deeper: Read Leah Savas’ report in Vitals about pro-lifers’ differing opinions on Arkansas’ abortion law.