In an emotional session that brought lawmakers and advocates to tears, Louisiana’s House committee once again rejected a bill that would’ve allowed minors under 17 who were raped to access abortion. The vote? 3 in favor, 9 against. This marks the third time Democratic Rep. Delisha Boyd from New Orleans tried — and failed — to get this law moving.
Boyd’s motivation is personal. Her mother was raped at 15 and gave birth to her, only to pass away before reaching 30. This time, she opened with a haunting story about a 10-year-old rape victim who died during childbirth, along with her baby. She pleaded with lawmakers to think of these children as victims — not vessels.
But her efforts fell on deaf ears. Despite emotional stories, some lawmakers held firm to their belief that current law is enough — even though doctors across the state say it’s too vague and risky to navigate. Republican Rep. Tony Bacala suggested a 10-year-old’s “maturity” could potentially justify an abortion under existing rules. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Pat Moore, who was born after her own mother was raped at 13, struggled with the vote but ultimately opposed the bill too.
The public, however, strongly disagrees. A 2023 LSU survey showed 77% of Louisianans believe rape survivors should be able to access legal abortion.
The consequences of the current law are devastating. Organizations like STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response) say teen survivors are experiencing suicidal thoughts due to being forced to carry pregnancies. Some no longer testify at the Capitol, fearing harassment or worse. Last year, one survivor said she was physically grabbed and followed to her car after testifying.
Still, anti-abortion voices like Louisiana Right to Life’s Sarah Zagorski insist even young girls can’t make sound decisions while pregnant from assault. She argued that faith, not abortion, is the answer.
Boyd closed her argument by saying what many believe: the choice should be left to survivors and their families. But for now, Louisiana law still says otherwise.
