Abortion legislation goes to Hutchinson

The House voted Monday to send legislation to Gov. Asa Hutchinson that would require abortion clinics to have written agreements with hospitals to transfer patients with “unforeseen complications” from abortion procedures. Sen. Ben Gilmore, R-Crossett, called Senate Bill 527 a “continuity of care” bill. It attracted opposition from two abortion-rights advocates who said it was unnecessary and unconstitutional. Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, ran the bill in the House.

Earlier this session, lawmakers voted to ban all abortions in Arkansas except to protect the life or health of the mother. Opponents have vowed to go to court to challenge that law, which was signed by Hutchinson.

No one spoke for or against the bill on the House floor Monday. The 74-15 vote sent the bill to Hutchinson’s desk.