Indiana’s governor signed a bill today that adds broad limits to women’s access to abortions, banning those motivated exclusively by the mother’s objection to the fetus’ race, gender or disability, and placing new restrictions on doctors.
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In addition to prohibiting abortions for genetic defects, the law also bans abortions performed on the basis of the child’s race, sex, or ancestry.
Gov. Pence signed the bill hours before a deadline to take action on the proposal, which was approved by the Republican-led Legislature two weeks ago, according to the report.
Planned Parenthood of IN and Kentucky plans to challenge the law IN court.
Perhaps the facet of the bill most affirming of life and human dignity is its requirement of the state to bury or cremate the remains of aborted children, rather than treat them as “medical waste”.
North Dakota is the only USA state that prohibits abortions based on fetal anomalies.
Many others on the other hand are glad Gov. Mike Pence chose to sign the bill into law.
An embattled privatization deal for a proposed restaurant, bar and banquet center at Indiana Dunes State Park will get a boost under a bill signed by Pence.
Issuing the latest salvo in the nationwide assault on women’s rights, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Thursday signed what reproductive health advocates are calling “one of the worst anti-abortion bills in the country”. Many feel the law is far too restrictive and goes too far in instructing women what they can and cannot do, when it comes to their own progeny.
The group says it is working with the American Civil Liberties Union and expects to ask a judge to put the law on hold before it takes effect in July. “Which, yes, would mean that a pregnant woman who contracts Zika would lose her right to abortion, while a woman with a healthy pregnancy would retain her right to say no to giving birth”.
Pence has never shied away from legislation that advances the agenda of social conservatives, pushing a religious freedom bill previous year that some LGBT rights activists claimed promoted discrimination.
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It is unclear what impact, if any, the restrictions would actually have on abortions, as women could cite other reasons for seeking an abortion. To perform an abortion, the measure requires doctors to have written admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, or have an agreement with another physician who has such privileges.
