Indiana Becomes First State to Pass Extreme Abortion Ban After Roe’s Fall

Friday night saw Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb sign legislation that makes it the first state to enact extreme abortion restrictions since the U.S Supreme Court’s overturn. Roe v. Wade

The Indiana senate passed the near-total ban in a 28-19 vote, hours after the House passed it with a 62–38 vote.

Mini Timmaraju (NaRAL Pro-Choice America President) released the following statement before the Governor signed the bill.

“The extremist lawmakers who forced this bill through a special session clearly could not care less about what their constituents want or need. It’s appalling that they’re going to these lengths to block people from accessing abortion care, and they should be ashamed of themselves. Governor Holcomb has a chance to veto this legislation and protect reproductive freedom for millions of Hoosiers—he should take it. NARAL Pro-Choice America and our over 63,000 members in the state will be watching.”

There are some exceptions to the ban that takes effect September 15. Incest and rape would be allowed in certain cases, but only before 10 weeks after fertilization. The exceptions are made to protect the physical and mental health of the mother and if the fetus is suffering from a lethal anomaly.

The bill allows abortions only in hospitals and outpatient centers owned or controlled by hospitals. All other abortion clinics would lose licenses. A doctor who performs an ‘illegal’ abortion or fails to file required reports would lose their medical license.

“We are backsliding on democracy,” said Democratic Sen. Jean Breaux of Indianapolis. “What other freedoms, what other liberties are on the chopping block, waiting to be stripped away?”

Outside the chambers, activists loudly chanted over lawmakers’ remarks, carrying signs like “Roe roe roe your vote” and “Build this wall” between church and state.

Editor

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