Legislation that would add exceptions in cases of rape and incest to one of the strictest abortion bans in the country was rejected by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Governor John Bel Edwards says is a major setback for innocent victims.
Sarah Zagorski, with Louisiana Right to Life, says Louisiana is a pro-life state and advocates are pleased with the results.
Edwards, who’s a pro-life Democrat, says he does not understand how we as a state can tell any victim that she must be forced by law to carry her rapist’s baby to term, regardless of the impact on her own physical or mental health, the wishes of her parents, or the medical judgment of her physician.
New guidelines suggest women should begin their annual mammograms at the age of 40 instead of 50 according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. LSU Health New Orleans Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shawn McKinney says this could save lives.
Several organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the College of Radiology, and the American Cancer Society have recommended beginning mammograms at the age of 40.
A bill that would raise the state’s minimum wage to $10 per hour next year was approved in a 3-2 vote by Senate Labor Committee. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25 an hour. LA Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says increasing minimum wage would make state more competitive .
SB149 will head to the Senate floor.