Alexander, Arkansas – Arkansas has been named the most pro-life state in the United States for the seventh consecutive year by Americans United for Life, an organization that evaluates state laws related to abortion and other issues involving the protection of human life.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined representatives of Americans United for Life and the Arkansas Family Council earlier this week to announce the latest results and highlight legislation adopted by the state in recent years.
The annual rankings examine laws across all 50 states, including measures concerning unborn children, older adults, people with disabilities and individuals facing terminal illnesses.
The designation reflects the standards established by Americans United for Life, an organization that advocates against abortion. It is not a government ranking or a measure of overall healthcare outcomes.
“I’m incredibly proud that Arkansas is ranked the most pro-life state in the nation for the seventh year in a row,” said Governor Sanders. “Every life is a gift from our Creator, made in His image, and is worth defending. As Governor, I will continue fighting for every Arkansan, at every stage of life, and make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Antiabortion organizations praise Arkansas laws and call for continued action
Americans United for Life CEO John Mize credited local activists and state officials for Arkansas’ continued position at the top of the organization’s rankings.
“Thanks to the spirited work of grassroots pro-lifers, Arkansas continues to lead as the most pro-life state in the nation, as it has every year under the leadership of Governor Sanders,” said Americans United for Life CEO John Mize. “National pro-life efforts are built upon the efforts at the states, and Arkansas serves as a model for all states as the fight continues after Dobbs. We are confident that Arkansas and its dedicated pro-life servants will continue to carry the torch and expand protections for life from conception to natural death.”
Arkansas Right to Life Executive Director Amber Singleton also welcomed the announcement, describing the recognition as the result of decades of advocacy and legislative action.
“Arkansas being named the ‘Most Pro-Life State’ in the U.S. by Americans United for Life for a seventh consecutive year is historic and serves as a testament to the citizens of Arkansas throughout the history of our state who have embraced a culture of life by following natural law with state law that honors our Judeo-Christian heritage and ethics,” said Arkansas Right to Life Executive Director Amber Singleton.
Singleton also raised concerns about abortion medication entering Arkansas and emphasized her organization’s efforts to educate pregnant women about fetal development, abortion and alternatives to abortion.
She praised pregnancy care centers, lawmakers and state officials for their involvement in advancing the organization’s goals.
Arkansas Family Council President Jerry Cox similarly connected the recognition to the state’s policies concerning several vulnerable populations.
“Being named America’s most pro-life state for the seventh year in a row reflects our commitment and that of our elected officials to the sanctity of innocent human life,” said Arkansas Family Council President Jerry Cox. “Behind every law are people whose lives deserve protection: our elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, those nearing the end of life, and unborn children. Our goal is to work with Governor Sanders and the legislature to make Arkansas the safest place in America for the most vulnerable.”
Arkansas has adopted more than 65 abortion related laws over five decades
According to the governor’s announcement, Arkansas has enacted more than 65 laws concerning the protection of unborn life during the past 53 years.
One of the state’s most significant abortion restrictions became enforceable in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional abortion protections established by Roe v. Wade in 1973.
Arkansas’ law generally prohibits abortion except when necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life.
Since taking office, Sanders has signed additional legislation addressing abortion and pregnancy related issues.
Among those measures is Act 973 of 2025, which prohibits abortions performed because of an unborn child’s race.
Another measure, Act 485 of 2025, prohibits administering abortion drugs to a pregnant woman without her consent.
The governor also highlighted Act 1006 of 2025, Act 125 of 2024 and Act 622 of 2023 as part of her administration’s efforts, including legislation providing $5 million to support women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
The announcement focused on the views of officials and organizations supporting these restrictions. It did not include responses from abortion rights advocates, who generally argue that abortion bans limit patients’ medical choices and access to reproductive healthcare.
Sanders points to foster care, maternal health and support for working parents
Beyond abortion legislation, Sanders highlighted several initiatives intended to support children, pregnant women and families across Arkansas.
Early in her administration, she signed an executive order bringing together foster care advocates to recommend improvements to the state’s foster care system.
Her administration has since been implementing those recommendations and added $1 million to the foster placement budget earlier this year.
According to the governor’s announcement, Arkansas now has fewer than 200 children waiting for adoption statewide, the first time the figure has fallen below that level since data collection began.
Sanders also signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act in 2025, directing $45 million toward improving maternal healthcare.
The measure includes expanded access to prenatal services, new reimbursement options for doulas and community health workers, and broader coverage for remote pregnancy related resources.
The governor additionally pointed to her administration’s work on education, childhood food insecurity and employment opportunities.
One initiative, known as the 10:33 Initiative, brings together faith organizations, nonprofit groups and government agencies to help Arkansans move from difficult circumstances toward greater stability and employment.
Another policy allows eligible state employees to bring their infants to work, subject to approval from their supervisors.
The Infants at Work program was initially developed within the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Governor’s Office.
Under the policy, participating employees may bring children between four weeks and six months old to their workplaces.
Sanders expanded the program in October 2025 to all state departments and agencies where such arrangements are practical.
Together, the governor presented these policies as part of a broader approach to supporting families and protecting vulnerable residents.
The seventh consecutive first place ranking from Americans United for Life recognizes Arkansas under that organization’s antiabortion policy criteria, while the state’s wider healthcare, family support and child welfare outcomes remain separate questions from the ranking itself.
