Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

At 15 weeks, a baby is about the size of an apple. His/her brain now controls all the muscles in the body, so the baby is able to move joints and limbs. He/she is about 4 inches long and weighs approximately 2.5 ounces. He/she can sense light and is forming taste buds.

babycenter.com

July 2018 – House Bill 1510 was signed into law by pro-life Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) on March 19, 2018. The law prohibits abortion after 15 weeks gestation, except when the life of the mother or a “major bodily function” is threatened by the pregnancy. No other exceptions are written into the law.

The bill easily passed both chambers of the Mississippi state legislature: 76-34 in the House and 35-14 in the Senate. But once signed into law, it was quickly met with strong opposition.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the state’s only abortion clinic, sued the same day Bryant’s signature made it effective. And within an hour, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves granted a temporary restraining order that blocks enforcement of the law while the legal battle continues.

Louisiana is advancing a similar bill, with tougher penalties for those who actually perform abortions (not those who receive them) – up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) has said he would sign the legislation. If passed, the law would take effect only if Mississippi’s 15-week ban is upheld by a federal appeals court.

usnews.com, 5/3/18