HB1670
To Amend The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act And The Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act To Add An Exception For A Pregnancy That Is The Result Of Incest.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1670 proposes amendments to the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act and the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to introduce an exception to the state's existing abortion prohibitions for pregnancies resulting from incest. To qualify for this exception, the bill requires that a report must be filed with a law enforcement agency or a prosecuting attorney's office alleging the offense of incest or the sexual assault of a minor. The legislation maintains the existing exception for medical emergencies necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. The bill essentially updates the list of circumstances under which an abortion may be legally performed in Arkansas.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who are pregnant as a result of incest or the sexual assault of a minor, as they would be granted a legal pathway to access abortion services that are otherwise prohibited under current state law.
Who Might Suffer?
Those who hold the belief that abortion should be prohibited in all circumstances, regardless of the cause of conception, would be negatively impacted by this legislation as it expands the legal exceptions for abortion. Additionally, critics of the specific requirement to file a police report may argue that the criteria create barriers for victims who may be unable or unwilling to report the crime to law enforcement.
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