The ‘Battle of Governors’ Between Louisiana and New York Might Go to Court

Some Republican lawmakers said they’ll back the Louisiana attorney general in whatever she chooses to do over an abortion case.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks alongside Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill during a press conference.

Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP

Louisiana could be heading for a legal battle with New York over Gov. Kathy Hochul’s refusal to indict a doctor who prescribed abortion medication to a woman in the southern state. If Louisiana’s attorney general opts to sue, some of the state’s Republican lawmakers say they’ll stand behind her.

“You don’t want to send Louisiana state troopers up there to face off with New York state troopers,” Rep. Clay Higgins told NOTUS. “You gotta settle this in court. And I think that’s the appropriate next step.”

The case against New York resident Dr. Margaret Carpenter is a major test of how conflicting abortion laws will play out since the fall of Roe v. Wade. Now courts may have to decide which law takes precedence, and lawmakers from both parties are taking sides.