The Governor has signed a bill into law that bans selling “morning after” abortion pills in Louisiana via mail order. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
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Fireworks and the Fourth…David Grubb tells us how local retailers are hoping for a boom this holiday weekend.
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Once abortion trigger laws go into effect in Louisiana a performing physician could be heavily fined and serve jailtime, but a legal advocacy group says they’ll defend their case. Brooke Thorington explains.
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Governor Edwards signed into law another abortion-related bill last week; making it a crime for a company to send abortion pills through the mail or parcel delivery. The original bill’s author is Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who says the so-called “morning after pill” – which is actually usable up to 10 weeks – should only be taken by a woman under a licensed doctor’s supervision…:
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The drugs have been available for 20 years, and induce a woman’s body to abort her fetus. The FDA recently dropped its requirement the drug be dispensed only during an in-office doctor visit. Hewitt says a number of physicians still think it is unsafe for a woman to simply take the drug at home, on her own. She says the new law doesn’t ban the pills for legitimate, doctor-guided use…:
Under the new law, a woman wanting to use the pill to end a pregnancy would have to do so under a doctor’s care and would only have ten weeks from conception to do it. It would not punish a woman who uses mail-order abortion meds, but would go after the company or agency that sent them. Hewitt says the drugs used are potentially dangerous if used incorrectly…:
Cut 6 (10) “…with these pills.”
The new law takes effect August 1st.
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Last year Americans spent nearly $2.5 billion on fireworks, and retailers throughout the state have their tents on the ground and their inventory stocked. Todd Tullier of Louisiana Fireworks Store in Denham Springs says while some traditional items like sparklers and smaller firecrackers may be harder to come by, there are plenty of other favorites to go around.
Tullier says that so far, sales have been in line with what he’s seen over the past few years. He expects that with the high price of gas, and the 4th of July falling on a Monday, people may be more interested in some explosive at-home entertainment.
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The COVID pandemic generated a boost in sales as public gatherings were limited and families were forced to stay home. Tullier says that’s a trend he and other retailers would like to see continue.
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Please make sure it’s legal to use fireworks in your parish or city before you buy, know the guidelines for where they can be used, and follow all recommended safety measures.
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The Fair Fight Initiative provides legal services for those who otherwise can’t afford it and founding member, David Utter says they’re also offering to help individuals who find themselves facing criminal charges related to abortion.
Critics of Louisiana abortion trigger laws say they are unconstitutionally vague however Attorney General Jeff Landry says he will defend the abortion ban to the fullest extent in Louisiana. Utter says Fair Fight Initiative is prepared.
The current ban on abortions in Louisiana has been lifted due to a temporary restraining order that’s in effect until a July 8th hearing.
Under the Louisiana trigger law there are no exceptions for rape or incest and the penalty for providers who perform abortions is one to 10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000. Utter says the Louisiana abortion ban laws are draconian they are ready to assist if someone is charged.
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Utter says you can seek legal services and also donate through their website at FairFightInitiative-dot org.
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The United States Supreme Court issues a hold on a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw a new congressional map. Federal Judge Shelly Dick was to receive a map with two Black majority districts drawn by attorneys today. But Attorney General Jeff Landry petitioned the high court for the map passed by the majority Republican legislature to be effective for the Fall 2022 election.
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The court’s ruling is similar to a February order that allows Alabama to hold their 2022 election under a map approved by Alabama’s Republican controlled legislature.
Democrat and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says while the court has not decided the merits of the case, he’s disappointed the fall election with the current map will stand, but he plans to continue to fight for Louisiana to have two Black majority congressional districts.
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Landry is pleased with the ruling and believes the US Supreme Court made the right decision and it’s expected to be ruled on after hearing arguments in the Alabama case in October.
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The map passed by the legislature in the redistricting session in February will be used in the Fall 2022 election.
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