Louisiana Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed into law a measure that bans abortions after 15 weeks and imposes a prison sentence on providers who perform abortions after that time, according to The Hill.
But the law can only take effect if Mississippi's similarly restrictive abortion law is upheld in federal court. These laws would become the strictest abortion legislation in the country if they are upheld, and Louisiana imposes a prison sentence of up to two years on healthcare providers who break it.
"We thank all pro-life lawmakers in Louisiana — especially pro-life Democrats like Governor Edwards and state Sen. John Milkovich, District 38, for passing this legislation. They followed through on their pro-life principles and united across party lines to protect unborn children," said anti-abortion activist Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony List, according to The Hill.