Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders proudly announced that Arkansas has been ranked the most pro-life state in the nation for the sixth year in a row, according to Americans United for Life. The ranking, based on the organization’s annual state-by-state review, considers laws and policies that protect the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, and the terminally ill.
During a press event joined by Americans United for Life and the Arkansas Family Council, Governor Sanders praised the state’s consistent record in protecting the vulnerable. “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,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m thankful to the activists who have fought for this day for decades and promise that as governor, I will continue to fight every day to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Arkansas Family Council President Jerry Cox added, “Today, Americans United for Life recognized the many pro-life laws and policies our state has enacted over the years. Arkansans should be proud of their state legislators for passing the best laws in the nation when it comes to protecting unborn children, the elderly, the disabled, and the terminally ill. That’s something to celebrate.”
Pro-Life Policies Rooted in State Law and Legislative Action
Since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, Arkansas has enacted over 65 pro-life laws. These include a 2021 ban on abortion except to save the life of the mother, which became effective following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center ruling that overturned Roe.
Under Governor Sanders’ administration, the state has doubled down on its commitment to life by signing several new laws:
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Act 973 of 2025, which bans abortions based on the unborn child’s race
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Act 485 of 2025, prohibiting the administration of abortion-inducing drugs without a pregnant woman’s consent
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Acts 1006 of 2025, Act 125 of 2024, and Act 622 of 2023, which collectively provided $5 million in funding for services supporting women with unplanned pregnancies
Advancing Foster Care, Maternal Health, and Crisis Support
Governor Sanders has also directed efforts to strengthen Arkansas’ foster care and adoption system. One of her first actions in office was signing an Executive Order to unite foster care advocates statewide, leading to actionable policy recommendations. Her administration followed through by adding $1 million to the foster placement budget. As a result, for the first time since records began, fewer than 200 children are waiting for adoption in the state.
In 2025, the Governor signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, allocating $45 million to promote maternal health. In addition to her pro-life policies, Sanders has led the way on broader human services, launching initiatives such as education reform, expanded food access for struggling families, and the 10:33 Initiative, which unites faith groups, nonprofits, and government agencies to help Arkansans transition from crisis to career.
With her administration’s focused approach, Arkansas continues to lead the nation in its efforts to protect life at all stages and support the most vulnerable among its population.
