The 2019 legislative session is underway and one lawmaker is filing what some expect to be the first of many anti-abortion rights bills. MPB's Ashley Norwood talks to advocates on both sides about abortion rights in Mississippi.
Republican Senator Angela Hill of Picayune is sponsoring a bill that would ban abortions once an ultrasound detected a fetal heartbeat, typically around six weeks into a pregnancy. She says it includes a limited exception in the case of a medical emergency. Hill says she's supported similar bills during her six years in office.
"As a state and as a people, how we treat our unborn children says a lot about who we are. Especially once that baby has a heartbeat I don't see how anybody can deny that that baby is a person," said Hill.
Senator Hill says Mississippi isn't the only state attempting to pass what's commonly called a "heartbeat bill," mentioning Ohio and Kentucky.
Felicia Brown-Williams is state director of Planned Parenthood southeast. She says a six week ban would virtually eliminate abortions.
"Most people don't know they are pregnant yet at six weeks. So this particular legislation that's been introduced is something that would in affect be a de facto ban on abortion in the state of Mississippi," said Williams.
Williams says Mississippi's bill is part of a nationwide strategy to attract lawsuits that could eventually challenge Roe vs Wade.
"And they have a clear agenda to ban abortion and not just in Mississippi but across this country and that is something that should be of concern to everyone," said Williams.
A federal judge recently struck down a 15 week abortion ban in Mississippi. The Attorney General's office says they are working on their appeal. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
