Arkansas is facing a controversial state abortion initiative that seeks to reinstate a policy more restrictive than under Roe v. Wade. The proposed Arkansas Abortion Amendment aims to limit the procedure to 18 weeks post-fertilization, with exceptions for maternal and fetal health conditions, and rape and incest. While major national abortion-rights groups have not been involved in promoting or funding the campaign, the committee behind the initiative is working to gather the required 90,074 signatures by July 5.
Despite criticisms that the amendment doesn’t go far enough to protect abortion rights, supporters are hopeful that it will improve reproductive health care access in a state that has criminalized nearly all abortions for two years. With concerns about a steep fundraising climb ahead, the committee is focused on educating voters and garnering support from a diverse range of individuals, including conservative Trump supporters.
The initiative has garnered some opposition, with the state House adopting a non-binding resolution opposing it. However, advocates like Dr. Dina Epstein, a practicing OB-GYN in Arkansas, believe that reinstating some access to abortion is crucial for the health and safety of women. She has been actively involved in gathering signatures and educating the public about the importance of the amendment. As the campaign faces challenges, supporters remain hopeful that the Arkansas Abortion Amendment will provide much-needed relief to women in the state.
Source
Photo credit ohiocapitaljournal.com