Life-Affirming Legislation Passed During Session

Although advertised as a tax reform session, the recently completed Louisiana Legislature touched on several tenets of Catholic social teaching, according to Tom Costanza, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Costanza said legislators passed bills that fell in line with all four areas of Catholic social teaching including life and dignity of the human person, protecting and supporting the family unit, solidarity and the common good. The session included bills on abortion, protecting the family, criminal justice reform and human trafficking.

“Overall, I was uplifted,” said Costanza, following his maiden session after taking over for former executive director Rob Tasman earlier this year.

“If you look at Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis’ comment, ‘Did we follow the common good?’ I felt positive about it,” Costanza said. “But we have so many issues related to poverty, literacy, homelessness. Now I know so much more work needs to be done.”

Legislators were active in life-affirming legislation, including adoption of the so-called abortion pill proposal. Typically, a woman who elects to have a chemically induced abortion must take two pills, but early research has indicated the abortion could potentially be reversed if a woman is given the hormone progesterone before being administered the second pill.

Right to life supporters proposed language that would have required the Louisiana Department of Health to put the information regarding the reversal of the abortion procedure on its website but that was met with opposition.

“That was extremely controversial for the Department of Health,” Costanza said. “Some studies say (the progesterone treatment) works but nothing is approved by the American Medical Association. 

“This is the research (Gov. John Bel Edwards) wanted.”

Health Office official Dr. Joseph Kanter said the procedure is still experimental and could be potentially dangerous.

Costanza said the bill ultimately sent to Edwards was “very watered down.” It stated the clinic must tell the patient to consult a physician if she is having doubts after taking the first pill.

“What was interesting about this session was that when bills did not get passed, they turned into a study resolution.” 

Tom Costanza
Executive Director, Louisiana
Conference of Catholic Bishops

Costanza said he was not sure if Edwards will sign that bill.

Also, two life-affirming bills that passed increased the level of data reporting on abortions throughout the state. The data, Costanza said, will provide a greater understanding where abortions are occurring and the age of women terminating their pregnancies.

Patient reports for children 13 and under who receive abortions would be sent to the Louisiana Attorney General and the Department of Children and Family Services.

An office to track human trafficking was created, bringing a coordinated effort among the Louisiana State Police and non-profit agencies. Costanza noted that previously the efforts were not always coordinated but staffing an office will help address what is becoming an increasing problem in Louisiana.

The LCCB vehemently opposed the much-publicized gun bill, which allows anyone 21 and older without a criminal record to carry a gun without a permit or training. LCCB joined with police associations testifying against the bill, saying it would put more officers at risk when conducting routine stops.

Edwards had vowed to veto the bill and carried through on his promise. 

LCCB endorsed a foster care bill that gives foster children a voice in their “plan,” including permitting them to worship at the church of their choice.

Catholic education received a bump when the legislature increased funding for the state scholarship program, more commonly known as vouchers, by $1 million. Catholic schools also received its annual funding for areas such as school food services and required services.

Costanza reported no movement regarding the death penalty or immigration but was told the issues would be addressed in 2022, which is a general session, as compared to the 2021 tax session.

“What was interesting about this session was that when bills did not get passed, they turned into a study resolution,” he said. “There are at least 22 study resolutions to be studied before the next session, so we will know what’s coming next year.”