Anti-Abortion bills make progress in Ind. Senate

In the event that Indiana Senate Bill No. 290 becomes a law, it would go against the 1973 Supreme Court Ruling of Roe v. Wade by mandating a statewide ban on abortion.

The “Abortion Prohibition Bill” is authored by Senate Republicans Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville, and Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn. It states that any person who performs an abortion would commit a Class C felony.

However, an abortion would be allowed “after the physician has determined, based on sound medical practice, that there is a medical emergency and the abortion is necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman,” according to the bill.

Although other states have attempted to pass similar bills, Tomes’ and Kruse’s bill would violate a ruling from the most powerful court in the country.

“The bill on its face is unconstitutional,” said Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. “There would very likely be an immediate lawsuit filed.”
If a lawsuit did occur, it would come at the expense of Indiana taxpayers.

She said Kruse’s agenda is larger than just simply outlawing abortion in one state.

“Senator Kruse is on the record saying he would be interested in Indiana being the case that took a Supreme Court review and cause them to overrule Roe v. Wade,” Cockrum said.

The bill is currently sitting in the Committee on Health and Provider Services and it is unlikely it will advance any further, Cockrum said.

“They had hopes, with the outcome of the November election, this might be an opportunity to move it,” she said.

Senate Bill No. 290 is one of more than a dozen pieces of pro-life legislation currently in the Indiana General Assembly.

“We wish we would have support of legislators for medically accurate sex-ed and access to birth control, rather than having to spend their time, when they have other more important things to do, putting up barriers to abortion,” Cockrum said.

Tomes and Kruse were unavailable for comment.

INDIANA'S CURRENT ABORTION-RELATED LEGISLATION

Senate Bill 50  At least 18 hours prior to an abortion, a pregnant woman seeking the abortion must obtain fetal ultrasound imaging, hear the fetal heart tone and receive a copy of the ultrasound image.

Senate Bill 116  Prohibits qualified health plans under the federal health care reform law from providing coverage for abortion.

Senate Bill 241 Prohibits a policy of accident and sickness insurance or an individual or group contract from providing coverage for elective abortion.

Senate Bill 328  Requires a physician who performs an abortion to have admitting privileges at a hospital in the county, or in a county adjacent to the county, where the abortion is performed; and notify the patient of the location of follow-up care.

Senate Bill 457 Requires women be informed orally and in writing about the physician, risks involved, information concerning the fetus, available assistance and existing legislature.

Senate Bill 522  Sets public policy findings concerning when a fetus can feel pain; prohibits abortion after 20 weeks.

House Bill 1205  Prohibits state agencies from entering contracts with, or making grants to, any entity that performs abortions or maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed.

House Bill 1474  If an abortion is performed on a female who is less than 14 years of age, the physician shall transmit the information form to the state Department of Health not less than three days after the abortion is performed.