Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas signed a bill prohibiting sex-selection abortions last week. The decision has been taken, possibly in response to the horror of China's one-child policy.
Although Arkansas joins seven other states in implementing the sex-selection abortions ban, its legislation is particularly invasive. The legislation requires medical professionals to enquire women about their family and medical background, especially if they know the sex of the child.
The bill's sponsor, Charlie Collins, a Republican in the State House of Representatives regarded his legislation as "a statement clarifying that what happens broadly in other places" is "going to be illegal" in the state, according to KUAR. The sex-selection abortions ban definitely seems to apply an amount of scrutiny towards Asian-American women seeking abortions.
According to the bill issuing the sex-selection abortions ban, abortion providers would face up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine if they violate it. In one way, this might discourage doctors from continuing their medical practice in Arkansas.
Collins has also championed many other right-wing causes besides the sex-selection abortions ban. He gave the most notorious support two years ago in making it illegal for towns and cities within the state to pass ordinances protecting LGBTQ Arkansans from discrimination. The support, however, was publicly opposed and the State Supreme Court has since blocked the measure, according to Eureka Spring News.
Collins also sponsored a recent controversial bill permitting students to carry concealed-carry firearms on college campuses. At the present time, especially through the sex-selection abortions ban, Collins is making an obvious attempt to portray himself as a champion for women.
The state certainly carries a rich anti-abortion history as it also previously banned a second-trimester abortion procedure earlier this year. Meanwhile, though Love's bill was voted down in committee last month, he has promised that he would continue working on the sex-selection abortions ban.
