Fort Smith faith leaders react to Roe v. Wade overturn

Fort Smith faith leaders reacted to the overturn of Roe v. Wade Friday and the new law making abortion illegal in Arkansas.

The Rev. Bud Reeves, First United Methodist Church, said abortions are opposed in the church, except in the cases of rape, incest or risk to life the mother.

" I do know that abortion is a sensitive issue, and emotions run high on either side. I appreciate the United Methodist position on abortion which, as with many of the positions of the church, sees the question from different perspectives. "

Reeves said the United Methodist position is based on the sanctity of life, of both the unborn child and the mother.

Roe v. Wade: With Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, abortion now illegal in Arkansas

On Friday, the Supreme Court announced the 1973 landmark decision had been overturned, and the Arkansas trigger law took effect right away.

"I do not pretend to be a legal expert, and I'm sure there will be much discussion and debate over the Supreme Court decision to overturn a half-century of precedent with regard to the right to legal abortions," Reeves said

"We are reluctant to approve any abortion," Reeves said.

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A response from the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock was not released Friday, a spokesperson said. Local Catholic, Presbyterian and Baptist leaders did not release statements Friday.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Faith leaders in Fort Smith react to overturn, Arkansas trigger law