Ivey: Abortion ban says Alabama values ‘sanctity of life’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s governor said Monday the new abortion ban she recently signed into law reflects the high value residents place on the “sanctity of life,” adding she doesn’t expect any fallout from the controversial measure on tourism or business recruitment.
Gov. Kay Ivey last week approved the most stringent abortion law in the nation — making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases unless necessary for the mother’s health. The law provides no exception for rape and incest.
Asked about criticism the state has received — particularly over the lack of an exception for rape and incest — the Republican governor noted the bill was overwhelmingly approved by the Alabama Legislature without the exceptions.
“The Legislature has spoken,” she said. “It underscores the sanctity of life the people of Alabama value so highly.”
The Republican governor was asked about the ban after a news conference Monday about the state tourism industry. Ivey brushed off suggestions protesters could do harm to tourism and efforts to woo new industry and business to Alabama. The law does not take effect for six months and legal challenges are widely expected to block it in the courts. Elsewhere across the country:
A doctor testifying Monday in a lawsuit challenging four abortion-restriction laws in Virginia said abortion is “one of the safest medical procedures that exist.” Dr. Mark Nichols, an obstetrician/gynecologist who worked for years as the medical director of a Planned Parenthood chapter in Oregon, testified as the first witness for women’s health groups who are suing Virginia over laws they say are overly restrictive and limit access to abortion in the state.
A Kentucky abortion clinic asked the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court to rehear an appeal in the case of a state law that requires doctors to perform ultrasounds and show fetal images to patients prior to abortions.