One Year Post Dobbs v. Jackson: Abortion Regulations Passed in Indiana are Among the Strictest in Nation

Posted Friday, June 23, 2023, at 12:42 PM

INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday June 24, 2023, marks the first anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion.

Only a few months after women across the nation lost this right, the Republican supermajority passed and Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law a near-total ban on the procedure on Aug. 5, entitled Senate Bill 1. This bill banned abortion except in the case of rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities or when the pregnant individual’s life is in danger.

Just days after SB1 went into effect, a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Indiana and other womens’ rights advocates has put the ban on indefinite hold. Despite abortion still being legal in Indiana, Republican efforts have led to state-wide confusion regarding abortion and if Hoosier women can attain care in the coming months and years.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Frank Mrvan and Andre Carson have both sponsored and voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act to protect and restore the right to an abortion for all women across the nation. Every Indiana Republican opposes codifying this right for Hoosier women.

The difference couldn’t be clearer with the Indiana GOP in Congress. Sen. Mike Braun and Rep. Jim Banks both signed an amicus brief demanding the Supreme Court not allow pharmacies to prescribe mifepristone, which is safer than Tylenol. Both want to be elected statewide in Indiana in 2024.

Hoosier Democrats will always stand up for women's rights and freedoms, and against proposals that threaten Hoosiers’ bodily autonomy, and drive healthcare providers out of Indiana.

“Make no mistake, abortion is — for the time being — still legal in Indiana, and Democrats plan to keep it that way. Our goal has always been to protect the rights, safety, and healthcare of women across our state,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl.

“This is simply about Hoosier women having the freedom and right to control their own body and make healthcare decisions without government intrusion into their privacy. Indiana already ranks as the third worst state for maternal mortality, which is a disturbing statistic that can only be reduced by listening to healthcare professionals, and putting in place policies that actually protect women and families.”

If you are in need of help or looking for resources, please visit Planned Parenthood’s website to know your rights.