Little Rock, Arkansas – For the sixth year running, Arkansas has earned the distinction of being the most pro-life state in the nation, according to the annual rankings released by Americans United for Life. The announcement, made on Monday during a joint event with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Americans United for Life, and the Arkansas Family Council, underscores the state’s ongoing legislative focus on protecting life in all its stages.
The rankings, compiled by Americans United for Life, examine state laws that safeguard not only the unborn but also the elderly, disabled, and terminally ill. Arkansas has consistently led the list, reflecting a long history of legislative measures aimed at promoting and protecting human life.
“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,” Governor Sanders said during the announcement. “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.”
The Governor’s remarks highlighted the broad scope of pro-life protections in the state, which extend beyond abortion restrictions to encompass programs and policies that support families, children, and vulnerable adults.
Jerry Cox, President of the Arkansas Family Council, praised the state’s lawmakers for their sustained efforts. “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,” he said.
Arkansas’ legislative record on life issues is extensive. Since the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the state has enacted more than 65 laws aimed at safeguarding human life. A pivotal moment came in 2021, when Arkansas passed a law prohibiting abortion except to save the mother’s life. This law became enforceable following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center decision, which overturned Roe.
In recent years, Governor Sanders has signed several measures to further strengthen pro-life protections in Arkansas. Among them is Act 973 of 2025, which bans abortions performed on the basis of an unborn child’s race, and Act 485 of 2025, which prohibits providing abortion drugs to pregnant women without their consent. Additional legislation, including Acts 1006 of 2025, 125 of 2024, and 622 of 2023, has allocated $5 million to support women navigating unplanned pregnancies.
The Governor’s approach to pro-life advocacy has not been limited to legislation. She has also focused on improving Arkansas’ foster care and adoption systems. Early in her administration, she issued an executive order convening foster care advocates from across the state to develop actionable recommendations. These initiatives, combined with an additional $1 million allocated to the foster placement budget earlier this year, have contributed to a historic milestone: for the first time since state data began being collected, fewer than 200 children are waiting for adoption statewide.
In addition to reforms in foster care, Governor Sanders signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act in 2025, directing $45 million toward maternal health initiatives. The Governor has emphasized a holistic approach, combining education reform, food assistance programs, and workforce development to support families and vulnerable communities. Her administration’s 10:33 Initiative, which coordinates efforts between faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, is designed to help Arkansans move from crisis situations into stable careers.
The state’s recognition as the most pro-life in the nation reflects both legislative efforts and broader societal support. Arkansas’ policies aim not only to restrict abortion but also to enhance the quality of life for families, mothers, and children. By addressing maternal health, adoption, and social welfare, the state has built a comprehensive framework to protect life in multiple dimensions.
Governor Sanders’ announcement comes at a time when national debates around life and reproductive rights remain intense. Arkansas’ consistent ranking at the top of the Americans United for Life index signals that the state intends to maintain its leadership role in the pro-life movement.
With these measures, Arkansas continues to assert itself as a model for other states seeking to balance legal protections with support services. The combination of legislative action, financial support for families, and systemic reforms in foster care and maternal health illustrates a multi-pronged approach that extends the notion of being pro-life beyond policy alone.
As Governor Sanders emphasized, the state’s commitment to protecting life “from conception to natural conclusion” is a principle that continues to guide Arkansas’ leadership and legislative priorities. With six consecutive years at the top of the rankings, the state’s pro-life stance is firmly entrenched and remains a central aspect of its identity on the national stage.
