No abortions were reported as occurring in 2023 in the state according to the vital statistics released by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
While Arkansas law prohibits abortion – exceptions are allowed for situations in which the mother’s life is at risk – none were reported.
The three reports released by the ADH in June list the number of abortions performed in the past year, the number of women who experienced complications from abortion, and the number of abortions necessary to save the life of the mother. All three reports show no abortions during 2023. In the past, Arkansas has averaged about 3,200 abortions per year.
Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, applauded the report, saying Arkansas’ strong pro-life laws are protecting thousands of women and unborn children from the tragedy of abortion.
“Undoubtedly, many Arkansas pregnant mothers were spared from the lifelong regrets and physical complications abortion can cause and babies are alive today in Arkansas. That’s a win-win for them and our state,” she said.
Mimms added, “Arkansas is known as The Natural State and the Land of Opportunity. Legally induced abortion is contrary to the will of the people in Arkansas clearly and precisely articulated by Amendment 68 to the Arkansas Constitution: ‘Section 1: Public funding – No public funds will be used to pay for any abortion, except to save the mother’s life. Section 2: Public policy – The policy of Arkansas is to protect the life of every unborn child from conception until birth, to the extent permitted by the Federal Constitution. Section 3: Effect of amendment – This amendment will not affect contraceptives or require an appropriation of public funds.’”
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A group currently is working to place the Arkansas Abortion Amendment on the November ballot. The measure would write abortion into the state constitution, and it would prevent the Arkansas Legislature from enacting protective laws concerning abortion during the first five months of pregnancy and up to the moment of birth – allowing thousands of abortions every year and possibly paving the way for taxpayer-funded abortions in Arkansas.
Mimms urged pro-life Arkansans to join the “Decline to Sign“ campaign underway to defeat the amendment effort. More information about how to get involved in the is available at artl.org.
