LA Lawmaker Introduces ‘Personhood’ Amendment

Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory has introduced a proposed changed to the Louisiana Constitution. In his filing he is suggesting that the state of Louisiana recognize that life begins at conception. This change in the constitution would guarantee unborn children the same legal rights that all other citizens enjoy.

Gilbert spoke to the Louisiana Radio Network about his proposed amendment,

"We don't want to take anything away from anyone, any rights that are presently given by law, but we would like enshrine in our constitution that Louisiana is pro-life,"

Gilbert, who is a candidate for Lt. Governor, also suggested that if Roe v. Wade, a landmark abortion ruling in the United States was ever overturned, his amendment would still make abortion illegal in the state of Louisiana.

"We have tighten the laws on abortion very significantly in Louisiana, this does not go beyond that,"

Gilbert's legislation is referred to as "personhood". It would not be the first time that legislation such as this has been proposed in states across the country. All those other similar proposals have failed on the state level. Gilbert believes that Louisiana has a different point of view on the matter. Therefore he likes his chances of getting the legislation passed.

"We would like to make it very clear, that Louisiana is clearly, without question, pro life,"