WASHINGTON -- Arkansas' entire U.S. House delegation voted Tuesday for legislation to prohibit use of taxpayer funds to pay for abortion, as thousands of abortion protesters marched on the nation's capital.
The House had been scheduled to vote on a measure banning abortion after 20 weeks, legislation similar to a 2013 Arkansas law, but it was pulled from consideration by Republican leadership Wednesday after female Republicans raised concerns.
Instead, the House voted 242 to 179 to pass the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act. It would make permanent the Hyde amendment, a provision added to legislation each year to prevent federal funding for abortions.
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican from Jonesboro, said in a statement that the bill was timely and important.
"During this week that marks the 42 anniversary of Roe v. Wade, it is especially important to remember that protecting the unborn is an issue that demands our constant, heartfelt dedication," he said.
Crawford said he was frustrated the 20-week ban, which he co-sponsored, was pulled from consideration.
"This is a temporary setback for pro-life supporters, but I will join other like-minded lawmakers as well as pro-life groups and individuals and continue to communicate the need for legislation that protects the lives of the unborn," he said.
The bill would have allowed abortion after the 20-week threshold in cases of rape, incest or danger to the pregnant woman's life -- and then only if she reported the rape or incest to authorities first.
The Arkansas Legislature approved a similar 20-week abortion ban during the 2013 session, overriding a veto by then-Gov. Mike Beebe. The Arkansas law does not require the rape or incest be reported to police.
Courts have struck down similar restrictions in other states, with some of those cases currently before federal appeals courts. Arkansas' law has not been challenged, though American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas attorney Holly Dickson said the group is prepared to do so if an affected Arkansas patient asks.
Arkansas also has a law banning abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy. That law was declared unconstitutional in March by U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright. The state appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, which heard oral arguments last week.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Hot Springs, said he was disappointed that the House didn't vote on the 20-week ban Thursday.
"I'm OK with it however we get it modified, as long as we're moving the ball in the right direction for life," Westerman said. "Hopefully we'll get to bring that into the chamber and vote on it."
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, a Republican from Rogers, said he supports the bill, but the reporting requirement had split the caucus.
"Obviously there was a conflict between, particularly, a lot of female members of our conference and others who are very passionate about the pro-life measure," Womack said. "[The reporting measure] drove a wedge in the conference."
U.S. Rep. French Hill, a Republican from Little Rock, said supporters are still working on the bill.
An identical version of the bill passed in 2013, with support from several of the female representatives who objected this week.
"I think that bill will come back," Hill said. "It's still in discussion as to how it will be changed, if it all."
Abortion-rights advocates welcomed the development.
ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Rita Sklar said women are tired of their bodies being used as a "political football."
"Good for those Republican women. It's a sign of progress," she said.
Outside the Capitol, thousands of people marched from the National Mall to the Supreme Court during the vote, marking the 42nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
Among them were three University of Arkansas at Fayetteville students.
One of them, senior John Griffith, 22, said the 20-week ban should have gotten a vote.
"I was hoping it was going to pass. I'm against all abortion; however, we can't just do everything in one fell swoop. There's steps to take," Griffith said. "If and when it does pass, it'll be a big step."
Metro on 01/23/2015