Now that Amendment #1 has passed, people are asking… what does this mean?
In short, Amendment #1 ensures that state judges cannot use the Louisiana Constitution to enshrine a right to abortion or the taxpayer funding of abortion in Louisiana. This has happened in 13 states across the country. With Amendment #1, it can’t happen in Louisiana! It keeps the issue of abortion in the hands of the people through our elected legislators rather than the courts.
In the short term, Amendment #1 protects current pro-life laws on the books and in effect, such as informed consent, ultrasound requirements, prohibitions on the taxpayer funding of abortion, protections for babies in the 5th month of pregnancy, and more.
In the long term, if Roe v. Wade is overturned, Amendment #1 would protect existing law that protects every baby from abortion when Roe v. Wade is overturned. It would make sure judges can’t usurp the will of the people.