Indiana’s state Senate passed its abortion ban Saturday by 26 to 20 votes.
As a result, doctors who perform abortions could be charged with a level-five felony unless the abortion is performed for a mother whose life is in danger or who has been a victim of rape or incest. Even in the case of rape, there must be a signed affidavit attesting to the crime, and the abortion can only be performed within 8 weeks. Abortion clinics are also prohibited from performing surgical abortions.
Ten Republican senators voted against the bill, while the 26 who voted in favor were all Republican senators. They debated the bill from approximately 11 a.m. Saturday, when protesters crowded the halls of their chamber.
PRO-LIFERS ARE EAGER TO VOTE; ABORTION MAY NOT BE DEMOCRATS’ LIFELINE
On Thursday, an amendment to remove the exception of mothers who are victims of rape and incest failed 28-18.
This latest bill makes Indiana the 13th state to make abortion procedures a felony. Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah all have similar laws, although Utah saw a district judge temporarily block its ban.
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Next, the bill will be examined by the House, where there are 71 Republican representatives to 29 Democrats.
