Alabama governor doesn’t anticipate tourism backlash over abortion law

Alabama’s governor on Monday said she doesn’t expect any tourism fallout from the state’s new anti-abortion law.

Gov. Kay Ivey (R) told The Associated Press she expects people will still want to visit the state, despite recent protests over the law.

“Alabama has a lot of different variety of things to visit and enjoy and our visitors will continue to come,” Ivey said. {mosads}

The AP asked Ivey about potential backlash after a press conference about the state’s tourism industry.

The law has prompted some calls on social media for a boycott of the state. In Georgia, a controversial “heartbeat” abortion bill led to a push for a boycott by Hollywood celebrities.

Ivey last week signed into law the most restrictive anti-abortion legislation in the country. It makes all abortions a felony, except when the mother’s life is at risk. The statute does not make exceptions for cases of rape and incest.

The law is slated to take effect in six months and is expected to face multiple legal challenges before then. Ivey has said she signed the law knowing it would be unenforceable.

State lawmakers have acknowledged that the measure is designed to challenge the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that extended abortion rights nationwide.

Republicans, including President Trump, have recently said that while they oppose abortion, they think the Alabama law goes too far because it does not provide exceptions for rape and incest.