The anti-abortion lobby endorsed Asa Hutchinson today. Not exactly a surprise. Release on jump.

The Republican candidate is right on one thing. It’s of critical importance that A$a wants Roe v. Wade off the books and his Democratic opponent Mike Beebe does not.

Advertisement

If Roe is overturned, abortion would be illegal in Arkansas.  Republicans would then like to prosecute doctors (though not the “murdering” mothers), regardless of circumstances (fetuses with no chance of life outside the womb for example, but the potential for harm to a mother’s health in a full-term pregnancy.) Hutchinson’s preference on public policy would prohibit government payment of an abortion for a raped, retarded teen (the policy followed in an actual case by Gov. Mike Huckabee until a federal court forced a course correction). His preference likely would prohibit even distribution of morning-after pills to minors raped by their fathers.

Yes, the candidates’ difference is an important distinction. No amount of A$a’s attempt to waffle on this by saying he personally might allow abortions in case of rape or incest can paper over the indelible bottom line. Roe preserves, absolutely, the right to abortion for a woman in great need. Its override ends a woman’s dominion over her body. 

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Fishing for info in Memphis Next article Good school news