The bill allowed exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
QUICK FACTS:
- Republican state senators in Indiana have presented a bill that would essentially ban all abortions in the state with very few exceptions.
- The proposal was put forward on Monday after the state legislature’s special session considered the pro-life bill.
- Only very exceptional circumstances, such as rape, incest, or situations where the mother’s life is at risk, would be permitted under the proposed law.
- If the law is successful it will come before Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has been tightlipped about abortion laws since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
- Currently, Indiana has a law that prohibits abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.
REPUBLICAN SUPPORT FOR THE BILL:
- The bill’s sponsor, Republican state senator Sue Glick, told the AP that it would not punish women or restrict access to treatments for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies, or outlaw contraception: “Being pro-life is not about criminalizing women,” Glick said. “It’s about preserving the dignity of life and helping mothers bring new happy, healthy babies in the world.”
- Republican House Speaker Todd Huston, however, has declined to endorse the bill, saying in a statement, “Our caucus will take time to review and consider the details of the Senate bill, and continue to listen to thoughts and input from constituents across the state.”
BACKGROUND:
- The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, which removed the federal protections for abortion in their ruling on the case Dobbs v. Jackson.
- The majority opinion in the 6-3 case stated that “the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion,” meaning that the federal government will not protect the right, leaving it up to the states to decide whether abortions should be legal.
