Arkansas Makes National Headlines with Strict Abortion Ban
By: Austin Kellerman
Updated: March 6, 2013
As one can imagine, the story is making headlines across the county.
A New York Times article labeled the Arkansas measure, which would take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, "by far" the country's most restrict ban on abortion. 12 weeks is typically the time when a fetal heartbeat can be detected.
The Times article also sources anti-abortion lawyer James Bopp Jr. as saying the ban likely won't "save any babies." According to Bopp, the lower courts will likely affirm existing Supreme Court rulings. He doesn't believe appeals would ever reach the nation's highest court.
The Washington Post, sourcing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures, reports the measure would make one of every 10 Arkansas abortions illegal. The newspaper found 92 percent of abortions in Arkansas occur early in the pregnancy. However, roughly 10 percent of abortions end up happening after the first trimester.
Most national news articles note the vast difference between a 20-week and 12-week ban noting that very few abortions take place after 20 weeks. Roe v. Wade allows for abortion bans after viability, which is believed to be between 22 and 24 weeks.
