Indiana is considering to implement an abortion law similar to the one that was enforced in Texas last week, or at least some lawmakers are considering the way it is.
According to the latest information, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston opened the door to such law to be passed in the state on Thursday.
Following his announcement, both abortion rights and anti-abortion advocates said they will monitor the situation closely in the upcoming period.
Last week the Supreme Court denied the request to stop a new Texas law that bans abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can happen at six weeks. Following the Supreme Court decision, Houston said the law is well considered by him, claiming similar one should be enforced in Indiana.
“We’re closely watching what’s happening in Texas in regards to their new pro-life law, including any legal challenges,” Huston said in a statement Thursday. “Indiana is one of the most pro-life states in the country, and we’ll continue to examine ways to further protect life at all stages.”
Lawmakers are will be back into session in two weeks from now. That’s the earlier when then can theoretically propose new legislative issues, including the abortion law. However, it’s very unlikely an abortion law to be discussed by the end of the year, something that was already confirmed by Houston himself too.
According to a spokeswoman for Bray, the Senate leader said “the Senate will be singularly focused on redistricting,” and will not consider any other legislation.
He also didn’t comment if the abortion law issue will be discussed during the 2022 legislative session. For years, Indiana has passed legislation that chips away at abortion access, but the most restrictive bills presented by the most conservative members of the Republican caucus — those outright banning abortions — never make it out of committee.
Legislative leaders have been hesitant to challenge Roe v. Wade in court. Clearly, the new 6-3 conservative majority on the court changes the calculous.
