INDIANAPOLIS — Action with Indiana’s abortion legislation was swift. In just about two weeks, Senate Bill 1 passed out of the legislature and was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb.
Come Sept. 15, the near-total abortion ban goes into effect.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of gaps when doctors look at what women are experiencing, how to treat it,” Dr. Jody Madeira, a law professor with Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, said.
Under the new law, there are four abortion exceptions — rape, incest, life and physical health of the mother, and lethal fetal anomalies.
Rape or incest exemptions will need to be performed 10 weeks before post-fertilization. In the case of the life of a mother or lethal fetal anomalies, women will have up to 20 weeks post-fertilization for an abortion.
The procedure can only take place in a hospital or hospital-owned outpatient setting.
“One of the things that my folks always taught me was before you make an important decision, you should always sleep on it. We should’ve slept on this for a while longer,” law professor at IU McKinney School of Law, Jennifer Drobac said.
Both law experts agree there are more questions right now than answers.
“SB1 basically uses the standard of reasonable medical judgment but the question is how far does a health risk have to progress before it dangers the health or life of the mother,” Madeira said.
Drobac adds mental health is not considered under the life of a mother exemption.
“It has to be the endangerment of life or a significant physical health function, so how you define that is anyone’s guess,” Drobac said.
Under the new law, performing illegal abortions or not filling out required reports are grounds for doctors to lose a medical license, and possibly face criminal penalties.
Both experts believe the law, as written, could be challenged in the eyes of the court.
“I think other states need to be watching what happens here in Indiana. I don’t think things will evolve comfortably here,” Drobac said.
-
Bloomington utility workers have fixed dozens of water main breaks this year
City of Bloomington Utilities has repaired 32 water main breaks so far this year. A water main break in the Gentry neighborhood Wednesday led to a boil water advisory due to low water pressure.
New west side food pantry aims to feed body and soul
While many attend church for prayer and worship, one group at a west side church is adding a unique element to their services.
1 dead, three others injured in two-vehicle Noblesville crash
A 38-year-old man is dead following a crash near the intersection of 146th Street and Promise Road in Noblesville Wednesday night, police said.
Indianapolis Mayor praises state lawmakers for passing House Bill 1461
HB 1461 aims to enhance transportation infrastructure management, provide financial incentives and modify funding dynamics for local units and counties.
