Arkansas has once again achieved the title of the “most pro-life state in America,” as recognized by Americans United for Life, a national anti-abortion organization. Governor Sarah Sanders is celebrating this distinction, marking the state’s sixth consecutive year at the top of this list. In a recent press release, she expressed pride in Arkansas’s commitment to life at all stages, stating, “Pro-life is whole life, and I’m proud that for the past six years, Arkansas has ranked number one in the nation – not just in protecting the unborn, but in preserving life from conception to natural conclusion.”
Governor Sanders’ remark about “natural conclusion” refers to death, a term that resonates with the organization’s focus not just on abortion but also on opposing practices like doctor-assisted suicide. Arkansas’s stringent “trigger law,” which came into effect following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, severely limits abortion access, allowing it only in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. This has raised concerns, particularly as women are often left with no options but to endure unviable pregnancies.
Despite the state’s strict laws, statistics reveal that as many as 5,650 abortions were performed in Arkansas in 2024, indicating that access to abortion services persists. Women have been seeking procedures out of state or obtaining abortion pills via telehealth consultations and mail. In an effort to curb these practices, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has pursued action against out-of-state providers, though the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.
In her press release, Governor Sanders highlighted a total of over 65 laws that Arkansas has passed since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, aiming to protect human dignity. She also pointed to two new laws enacted earlier this year, one prohibiting abortions based on the unborn child’s race and another ensuring consent before administering abortion medications to pregnant women. Critics have argued that these measures appear more symbolic than substantive.
Furthermore, there are serious concerns regarding maternal and infant health in Arkansas, which has the second-highest infant mortality rate in the nation. In response, the state has introduced the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, allocating $13 million in state funds to enhance Medicaid access and improve healthcare services for pregnant women. However, a notable omission from this legislation is the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage, a critical support that Arkansas has yet to adopt like other states.
Some Republicans have advocated for extending pregnancy Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum, in line with national standards, but Governor Sanders has opposed such efforts, actively working against related bills in previous legislative sessions. This has raised questions regarding the administration’s commitment to supporting new mothers. Additionally, plans to implement work requirements in the ARHOME Medicaid program could potentially result in many Arkansans losing their health insurance, further complicating the state’s health landscape.
As Arkansas continues to navigate its pro-life position, the challenges within its healthcare system bring to light the complexities of defining life and providing essential support for families after birth, suggesting that the journey of life is as important as its beginning.