A new law passed in America will soon allow a rapist to sue his victim if she demands an abortion. The act, shocking to many, could come into effect as early as this spring.
The Arkansas Act 45, will allow family members of the rape victim to terminate abortion by suing the abortion provider, which would prevent the provider from administering such abortions again. It does not give an exception clause for rape committed by a spouse or incest, of which the foetus's father could sue an abortion clinic, even if they have raped the woman.
The two co-sponsors of the bill are Rep. Andy Mayberry and Rep. Dave Sanders. Mayberry considers abortion to be a "gruesome, barbaric procedure" that "no civilized society should embrace".
Nonetheless, according to Arkansas News, Arkansas isn't the first state to ban the procedure. The state seems to follow after the footsteps of Mississippi and Louisiana, and similar laws implemented in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Alabama, who are currently faced with legal challenges.
Pro-choice supporters were filled with utter disgust as they heard the news. Co-founder of Arkansas's Abortion Support Network, Karen Musick, told the Daily Beast, "There is zero part of me that understands why a rapist, who got someone pregnant against their will, maybe incest, would have any right in that decision. I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that there would be anyone who thinks otherwise."
The Mirror UK reported that the act has angered many as it also bans the dilation and evacuation method, which is one of the safest methods of terminating a pregnancy. Endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the procedure involves using surgical instruments to remove material from the womb and is commonly used in 95% of all second trimester abortions. It could also be legally carried out in cases of miscarriage.
