A new report shows there were no reported abortions committed in Arkansas in 2023.
The “Induced Abortion Report,” released by the state’s Department of Health, shows Arkansas’ almost complete ban has been effective in ending known abortions.
Abortion has been almost completely banned in the state since its trigger law went into effect after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The only exceptions are when allegedly “necessary to preserve the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury.” Direct abortion is always gravely immoral and never needed nor ethically justified to save a mother’s life.
By contrast, the state reported 3,133 abortions in 2021, the last full year abortion was available. In 2022, abortions dropped to 1,621, according to Charlotte Lozier Institute. The state’s abortion law went into effect about halfway through the year, contributing to the roughly 50% reduction from the year prior.
The Arkansas Family Council celebrated the news, but also warned about a ballot initiative that would roll back the state’s strong pro-life protections.