Louisiana § RS 1:18 - Construction of laws relative to abortion
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 1:18 — Construction of laws relative to abortion, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 1:18. Construction of laws relative to abortion
A. It is the intention of the Legislature of Louisiana to prohibit and restrict abortion and to thereby preserve the life of each unborn child to the fullest extent permitted by law.
B.(1) All laws or parts of laws prohibiting or restricting abortion shall not be negated or superseded by the laws regulating outpatient abortion facilities or regulating the practice of abortion, as provided in R.S. 40:1061.1.
(2) Laws regulating or prohibiting an abortion at a certain gestational age of the unborn child shall not be considered to be in conflict with other laws that regulate or prohibit abortion at a different gestational age of the unborn child.
C. No governing authority of a political subdivision shall enact any ordinance or regulation that authorizes or regulates abortion.
D. Unless otherwise specifically provided therein, the provisions of each act of the legislature prohibiting or regulating abortion are severable, whether or not a provision to that effect is included in the act. If any provision or item of an act prohibiting or regulating abortion, or the application thereof, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision, item, or application.
E. This Section shall apply to acts of the legislature affecting general laws, and local and special laws, and statutes of the state, including the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, the Civil Code, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Code of Evidence, and the Children's Code.
Acts 2022, No. 545, §1, eff. June 17, 2022.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 1:18
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 1:18 cover?
Section RS 1:18 ("Construction of laws relative to abortion") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 1:18?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 1:18" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 1:18 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.