Arkansas has once again been recognized as the “Most Pro-Life State in America,” securing the top spot on the “Life List 2025” released by Americans United for Life (AUL) for the fifth consecutive year. This annual ranking evaluates states based on their laws and policies concerning abortion, assisted suicide, and conscience protections in healthcare.

According to the report, Arkansas led the list, followed by Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Indiana. Other notable rankings include Tennessee, which rose from 13th to 6th place, while Alabama dropped from 10th to 16th. On the other end of the spectrum, Vermont was ranked the least pro-life state, followed by New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and New York.

“This past legislative session, the pro-life movement faced many challenges, including pro-abortion ballot initiatives and legislation targeting pregnancy resource centers,” stated AUL. Despite these challenges, the report noted that some states “stood firm in their courageous defense and advocacy for life.”

However, AUL also highlighted a decline in pro-life legislative victories: “Last year, the pro-life movement was successful in enacting at least 59 life-affirming laws. This year, only 41 pro-life bills and resolutions have been passed.”

Jerry Cox, president of the Arkansas Family Council, celebrated the recognition, stating:
“More than a decade ago, Family Council joined with Arkansas Right to Life and others in setting out to make Arkansas the most pro-life state in America. By working together, we have done that.” Cox urged vigilance, emphasizing, “Keeping Arkansas the most pro-life state will take constant effort. As a pro-life leader, Arkansas has done important work, but we can’t stop. There is more pro-life work to do.”

Arkansas has also seen legal victories in its pro-life efforts. Last August, the Arkansas Supreme Court rejected a petition for a ballot referendum that sought to enshrine abortion rights under certain circumstances in the state constitution. Writing the majority opinion, Justice Rhonda Wood concluded that the petitioners “failed to comply with the statutory filing requirements for paid canvassers” and thus lacked the necessary valid signatures.

Arkansas continues to serve as a model for the pro-life movement, with its laws and policies reflecting a strong commitment to protecting the unborn and supporting life-affirming initiatives.