The latest on Louisiana's abortion ban debate in 60 seconds

Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who until now has been a consistent opponent of abortion rights during his two terms, will support legislation to soften the state's near-total ban by adding exemptions for rape and incest.

Democratic New Orleans Rep. Delisha Boyd and Democratic Shreveport Rep. Cedric Glover both have bills that would add the rape and incest exemptions to the ban passed last year that Edwards signed into law.

"I simply do not know how we as a state can tell a young girl or any victim of rape or incest that she must be forced by law to carry her rapist’s baby to term, regardless of the impact on her own physical or mental health, the wishes of her parents or the medical judgment of her physician," Edwards said.

But the governor got immediate pushback from the powerful Louisiana Right To Life, which tweeted that Edwards' priority is to "legalize abortion through exceptions to our pro-life law. We can't let this happen."

Lift Louisiana, a group that supports abortion rights, released a poll it paid for in which 70% said they support exceptions for rape and incest.

The poll, which was conducted by JMC Analytics, also showed 53% of voters said they support an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution that would establish the right to abortion, though in 2020 voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment declaring there is no right to abortion.

More: 5 things to watch as Louisiana's Legislative Session begins

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: 60-second read: Explaining the latest on Louisiana abortion debate