For the second year in a row, Arkansas has been named the most pro-life state in the nation, according to Americans United for Life (AUL), a leading pro-life advocacy group. The group annually ranks every state on its pro-life laws and policies to protect human life from conception to natural death, including some of our most vulnerable populations like the preborn, the elderly, the disabled, and the terminally ill.

The “Life List” seeks to highlight the great work being accomplished at the state level to promote a culture of life and serve as a reminder that there is much work to be done. 

According to AUL, Arkansas achieved the first-place spot by enacting 16 life-affirming laws during the 2021 state legislative session. Life-affirming policy categories include abortion, legal recognition of preborn babies, ethical research, assisted suicide, and patient care. AUL also considers the political and cultural engagement levels in each state. Only laws that are enacted and not enjoined by the courts are factored into the rating system.

Collectively, there were 86 pro-life laws enacted in 22 states this year. AUL gives an honorable mention to Texas, which jumped from #20 to #12 in the nation after enacting the first Heartbeat Law to go into effect in the country. 

The other top-five pro-life states identified by AUL included Louisiana, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Indiana.  

Family Council, a Focus on the Family ally, has advocated for pro-life legislation in Arkansas for over 30 years. Jerry Cox, President of Family Council, praised the announcement in a press release. 

“Being the most pro-life state in America two years in a row is something Arkansans can be proud of. It shows Arkansas is committed to defending innocent human life. But there is still a lot of work to do. The ultimate goal is to end abortion and protect every innocent life from conception until natural death. We look forward to continuing to defend the sanctity of human life and working to end abortion in Arkansas.” 

To learn more about how each state can strengthen its life-affirming state-based laws, consider consulting AUL’s State Spotlight. In addition, state legislators may wish to connect with AUL regarding model legislation they can introduce in their state to protect and promote life.

To see where your state ranks on AUL’s “Life List,” click here. 

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