Governor’s Veto in Louisiana Sets Stage for Abortion Battle

BATON ROUGE, La. —  Gov. Buddy Roemer today made good on his threat to veto a state ban on most abortions, setting up the possibility of an almost immediate override battle on what could become the nation’s most restrictive abortion law.

During an impromptu news conference before leaving for lunch, Roemer said he had vetoed the bill earlier in the day.

The governor, who has characterized himself as an opponent of legalized abortion, had nevertheless repeatedly said he would veto the measure because it did not contain exceptions allowing abortions in the case of rape and incest.

The veto sets in motion a battle to override the governor’s action in the Legislature, which is scheduled to adjourn on Monday.

By law, the Legislature could delay a veto override vote and return after adjournment for a veto session. In modern times, however, no Louisiana governor has ever had his veto overridden and no veto session has ever been called.

Roemer’s veto came a week after final legislative passage of the bill, which would make it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The measure would allow an abortion only if the mother’s life was threatened by the pregnancy.