Despite signing the draconian measure into law, Arkansas’ governor has stated that he disagrees with the state’s restriction on abortion in circumstances of rape or incest.

In an appearance with “State of the Nation” on Sunday, Governor Asa Hutchinson conceded that if the historic Roe v Wade case is reversed, the state’s anti-abortion “trigger legislation” will result in “heartbreaking situations,” and that the state’s prohibition should be “revisited.”

“While it’s still life in the womb, life of the unborn, the conception was under criminal circumstances, either incest or rape. And so, those are two exceptions I have recognized I believe are very appropriate,” he said.

“And what will happen as time goes on, if Roe v. Wade is reversed, these are going to become very real circumstances.

“I think the debate and discussion will be – will continue and that very well could be revisited. I believe that those exceptions are going to be important… overall to save lives because the public understands those exceptions, the importance of it. So I think that will be revisited.”

Arkansas is one of 13 states with “trigger legislation” that would prohibit abortions in the state if Roe is reversed.

Unlike several states, Arkansas offers no exclusions for rape or incest pregnancies.

The sole exception is if the mother’s life is in danger due to a medical emergency.

If they breach the law, women face up to ten years in jail and penalties of up to $100,000.

Governor Hutchinson signed the tight law in 2019 and it will go into effect immediately if the Supreme Court overturns Roe.