The Advocate has today published a story on a poll commissioned by Faucheux Strategies that asked Louisiana citizens a question about abortion that was inaccurate.
The Advocate’s poll question presents the following statement: “Louisiana law bans all abortions, except when the life of the mother is in danger.” This assertion is demonstrably false.
In accordance with Louisiana law, abortion is permitted in instances where the life of the mother is in danger, as well as in cases of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and in rare instances where the baby is born with a severe and irreversible congenital or chromosomal anomaly that renders it incompatible with sustaining life after birth.
Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, expressed disappointment at the publication of a story by the Advocate on a poll that asked Louisiana citizens an erroneous question on abortion. He stated that the question was inaccurate and misleading.
“After learning that the poll question was inaccurate, we strongly advised the Advocate not to publish the poll results.
“The responses of Louisiana citizens to this poll cannot be trusted because of the inaccuracy of the question. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, there has been much confusion about Louisiana’s pro-life laws. If we’re going to have a statewide discussion about whether citizens want to change the law, let’s start with an accurate portrayal of the law to the public.
“Our society has lived with abortion-on-demand for 50 years thanks to Roe v. Wade. Not surprisingly, since Roe was overturned, Louisianans have continued to reassess their position on rare “exceptions”. According to the 2021 Louisiana abortion statistics, only 0.5% of abortions were performed as a result of rape or incest. We remain confident that a majority of Louisiana citizens continue to support protecting the lives of innocent unborn babies from the overwhelming majority of elective abortions that were legal up to five months prior to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
It is crucial to acknowledge that Louisiana Right to Life’s objective is to safeguard the life of every unborn child. Consequently, we oppose the current exception that permits abortion in instances where the child may not survive outside the womb. The stance of Louisiana Right to Life does not negate the fact that these abortions are currently permitted by law. Consequently, the Advocate’s question was erroneous.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
