Indiana becomes the first state to approve Abortion ban

• The ban, which takes effect Sept. 15, includes some exceptions.
• Abortions can be performed only in hospitals or outpatient centers owned by hospitals.
• All abortion clinics would lose their licenses.

Following the overthrow of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court; Indiana on Friday became the first state in the union to enact limitations on abortion; as the Republican governor swiftly signed a nearly complete ban on the practise.

There are certain exceptions to the ban, which becomes effective on September 15. In cases of rape and incest; prior to 10 weeks after fertilisation, to safeguard the mother’s life and physical health, and if a foetus is found to have a fatal abnormality, abortions would be permitted. As has previously been suggested, victims of rape and incest would not be required to sign a notarized document attesting to an attack.

All abortion clinics would lose their permits since, under the proposed law; abortions can only be carried out in hospitals or outpatient facilities; that are owned by hospitals. The language strengthens the current Indiana legislation; which states that a doctor “may” lose their licence. A doctor who conducts an unlawful abortion or neglects to make mandatory reports must also lose their medical licence.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement announcing his signature on the bill; “I am personally most proud of each Hoosier who came up to fearlessly speak their opinions in a debate that is unlikely to conclude any time soon.” In my capacity as your governor, I promise to continue being receptive.

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After the House advanced the prohibition 62-38 and the Senate passed it 28-19, he gave his support.

Following the Supreme Court decision in June that eliminated constitutional safeguards for the operation; Indiana was one of the first Republican-run state legislatures to discuss tougher abortion regulations. But after West Virginia lawmakers turned down the chance to be that state on July 29; it is the first state to enact a ban through both houses.

After the vote, Senate President Pro-Tem Rodric Bray told reporters that he was “happy to be finished with this; one of the more arduous things that we’ve ever done as a state General Assembly; at least certainly while I’ve been here”. I believe this to be a significant opportunity, and we will expand on it moving ahead.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Sue Glick of LaGrange, said that while she does not believe; “all states will come down at the same spot,” the majority of Indiana residents favour the law in some respects.

Senators from all parties expressed regret about the provisions of the measure; and its effects on the state, particularly on low-income women and the healthcare system. All 11 Democrats and eight Republicans voted against the bill; albeit their justifications for doing so varied.

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