Democrat Bel Edwards Follows Through on Whole Life Promises

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2016
CONTACT: Kristen Day (202) 220-3066

Louisiana’s John Bel Edwards is showing the nation what a Whole Life Democrat looks like, signing laws to extend Medicaid and to protect the health of women.

“Governor Edwards represents the future of the Democratic Party,” said Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life of America.  “We cannot ignore any person who needs assistance, whether it be access to health care or the protection of the right to life.”

Bel Edwards made being a Pro-Life (Whole Life) Democrat part of his campaign for governor, and he followed through on his promises once he took office in January.  The day after being sworn in, Bel Edwards signed an executive order expanding Medicaid to cover an additional 300,000 Louisiana residents.

On May 19th, he signed into law two new protections for women.  The first requires that all doctors who perform abortions be board-certified either in obstetrics and gynecology or in family medicine, or that the doctors be certifiable in these fields.  The law is intended to protect women from dangerous abortion mills run by unqualified staff.

The other protection extends the waiting period for women seeking abortions from 24 hours to 72 hours.  This additional time affords women the opportunity to reflect and make a real choice, without being pressured into an abortion.

“Many women are coerced into abortion because they believe it is their only choice,” said Day. “As Democrats, we should be seeking more ways to provide support and opportunity for women to carry their children to term, not advocating for unsafe abortion.”

By protecting the poor and the vulnerable, Bel Edwards shows what a Whole Life Democrat administration can do, and why this type of leadership is so needed in the Democratic Party right now.

“Americans are tired of having two parties that don’t represent their beliefs.  There are more than 20 million Pro-Life (Whole Life) Democrats ready to fight for a candidate who shares their commitment to freedom and justice, security and prosperity, equality and community, and hope and progress,” said. Day.

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