On Tuesday, the Arkansas Senate voted to override Governor Mike Beebe's veto of legislation that would ban most abortions starting from the 12th week of pregnancy. If the Republican-controlled state House also votes to override the veto, the bill would then become the country's most restrictive anti-abortion law.
In a statement, the Democratic governor explained why he vetoed the bill on Monday reasoning that the proposal is unconstitutional and conflicts with the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision "Roe v. Wade" which legalized abortion until a fetus could survive outside the womb (about 22 to 24 weeks).
"Because it would impose a ban on a woman's right to choose an elective, non-therapeutic abortion well before viability, Senate Bill 134 blatantly contradicts the United States Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court," Beebe stated in his veto letter. "When I was sworn in as governor I took an oath to preserve, protect and defend both the Arkansas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States. I take that oath seriously."
However, the bill's sponsor said after Tuesday's vote that he thinks the governor is wrong. The vote to overrule Beebe's veto was 20-14 in the Republican-controlled Senate. The measure would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected using an abdominal ultrasound, which is generally 12 weeks into a pregnancy. The only exceptions to the ban would be rape, incest, life of the mother and highly lethal fetal disorders.
Last week, Beebe also vetoed a 20-week abortion ban which lawmakers quickly overrode as well. That bill, which immediately became law, is based on the controversial claim that a fetus can feel pain at the 20th week of a woman's pregnancy.
Abortion rights proponents have promised to sue to block Arkansas' 12-week ban which would take effect in 90 days if approved.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
