Liberals in Indiana are looking for a safe space today.
The Indiana Supreme Court has effectively banned abortions in the state.
Save just a few exceptions, the ruling means that abortions, for all intents and purposes, are now illegal in Indiana, reported Fox News.
The Ruling
The 4-1 ruling by the state Supreme Court has shaken liberals.
Once the ruling is certified by the state appeals court, it will more than likely go into effect almost immediately.
Even though the ruling was 4-1, two of the justices expressed concern over a woman’s right to protect her health if it is danger via the pregnancy.
Justice David Goff stated, “No one yet knows the precise contours of the life and health protections guaranteed by the Indiana Constitution.
But, for the sake of the lives and health of Hoosier women, our healthcare professionals and our justice system need to know as quickly as possible. Having declared the right of a woman to protect her health, this Court should not now let that right go unprotected.”
Chief Justice Loretta Rush added, “Given that possibility, I am deeply concerned about Senate Bill 1’s impact on Hoosier women’s constitutional right to seek medical care that is necessary to protect their life or to protect them from a serious health risk.
“And I am likewise concerned about the law’s impact on healthcare providers who must determine whether to provide that care and potentially expose themselves to criminal penalties and professional sanctions,” reported WISHTV.com.
There are three exceptions where abortions are allowed.
Any woman may have an abortion up to 10 weeks after rape or incest.
Any woman may have an abortion up to 20 weeks if there are fatal fetal anomalies.
Any woman may have an abortion if it will prevent the death of the mother.
Planned Parenthood announced in July that it was no longer taking appointments for abortions in Indiana.
Katie Blair, the ACLU of Indiana’s director of advocacy and public policy, stated, “With this ban going into effect, women who need to seek abortion care are forced to flee their communities and flee the state to access that care if they have the means to do so. And if they don’t have those means, then they’re being forced to carry a pregnancy against their will.”
I think this law would serve as a great base for other states and a federal law. I think the states that are not allowing any exceptions are fighting a losing battle.
Federally, you are still going to have to present legislation that offers an open period, my guess is somewhere between 12 and 18 weeks, then offer abortions with exceptions as listed above.
As I have stated many times, there is no way all parties will be happy with any legislation, but I think we can put this issue to rest with something that is in that neighborhood.
Otherwise, Democrats will continue to use it to win elections every two years.
