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Lance Harris on Abortion |
Analysis by ABC News (May 30, 2019): The bill itself is similar to some of the other so-called "heartbeat" bills that have been signed into law elsewhere in that it bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Unlike some other bills and other existing abortion laws, the Louisiana bill does not include exceptions in cases of rape and incest.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-5-3 on May/6/19; Passed House 79-23-3 on May/29/19; State Rep. Lance Harris co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on May/30/19.
Opposition by Jurist.org: The law would likely shut down three of the state's five abortion clinics. Proponents of the bill argue that admitting privileges requirements further the objective of promoting women's health. Critics contend that bills like HB 388 are thinly-veiled attempts to outlaw abortions entirely. A Planned Parenthood press release [says HB 388] was passed under the guise of protecting patient safety but it does the opposite. Data from the CDC shows that abortion has over a 99 percent safety record. For patients' safety, providers already have plans in place in case of an emergency.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-3-2, Vote #988 on May/14/14; Passed House 88-5-11, Vote #1108 on May/21/14; State Rep. Lance Harris co-sponsored bill and voted YES; Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal on Jun/12/14 [Note: this was the law overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2020.]
The AFA inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments'? Self-description: (American Family Association helps produce iVoterGuides): "Grounded in God; rooted in research"; they "thoroughly investigate candidates"; when they cannot "evaluate with confidence, they receive an 'Insufficient' rating" (& we exclude)
The AFA inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion'? Self-description: (American Family Association helps produce iVoterGuides): "Grounded in God; rooted in research"; they "thoroughly investigate candidates"; when they cannot "evaluate with confidence, they receive an 'Insufficient' rating" (& we exclude)
Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."