In the wake of post-Roe v. Wade America, Indiana lawmakers discuss total abortion ban
This week, a special session for Indiana lawmakers was called to consider further restricting the state’s abortion law.
The session, initially called for July 6 as a discussion on inflation relief, was pushed back due to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.
Now, the state senate’s under-review legislation on increased abortion limitation has become a crux of the session.
A lack of access to pre-natal health care and financial support for pregnant people in Indiana has exacerbated infant and maternal mortality rates.
Georgia and Indiana are among the top states in maternal mortality in the country, with Black women in Indiana 30% more likely to die during childbirth due to the abortion ban’s enactment.
In Indiana, nearly 44 in 100,000 people die as a result of pregnancy, Lauren Chapman, digital editor at Indiana Public Broadcasting, shared on Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
Additionally, 27% of Indianans live in OB-GYN or hospital deserts, nearly a third of whom lack access to health care altogether.
At least one Indiana lawmaker is pushing for a ban without exceptions, though Chapman views the state as underprepared for such a restriction.
While Indiana lawmakers have discussed plans to increase tax returns for adoptees under new legislation, the state still has an overwhelming number of children in the foster care system, a large number of whom were removed from their homes due to opioid abuse by their caretakers.
Chapman anticipates growing stress on the state’s child care system, and maternal and infant mortality rates.
“Indiana is in no way, shape or form ready for a total abortion ban,” Chapman said. “Indiana will likely be the first state with the designation of a total abortion ban in the U.S.”
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