And then there were none.
Louisiana’s last three abortion clinics have decided to move out of state, after the Louisiana Supreme Court on Friday allowed the state’s ban on abortion to remain in effect.
The law bans abortion from conception and provides exceptions to save the life of the mother, if there are severe physical health conditions, or if there is a lethal fetal anomaly. Pregnancies stemming from rape or incest are not exempted.
New Orleans Public Radio said that it will be the first time Louisiana will be without an abortion clinic since 1974.
Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport, Women’s Health Care Center in New Orleans and Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge are all in the process of moving to states where abortion remains legal. The clinics declined to say where they would relocate to, but most states surrounding Louisiana also ban abortion.
“We are thankful that babies in Louisiana will continue to be protected from abortion while the abortion industry’s frivolous lawsuit plays out in court,” said Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life Benjamin Clapper after the Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision. “Their lawsuit is disrespectful to our citizens and legislators who have made it clear for decades that we value life in the womb.”