Indiana Senate bans most abortions as Bill heads to House

Lawmakers in Indiana, a Republican majority state, voted to ban most of the abortions amidst severe protests from women's rights groups and lawyers. The vote came after heated debate about whether to include incest or rape in its ambit for an abortion ban.

It was a surprise for women in the state to see their Republican lawmakers go against what protects the women folk to decide whether to give birth to a child or not a low "yes votes" numbering 26 against 20 'nay' voters. The bill is now heading to the state House, which is controlled by Republicans, for consideration. If the bill becomes law, it would be effective from September 1.

Republican senators were divided on the issue. For instance, Senator Kyle Walker and Veneta Becker said it was a repressive bill. A few, like Senator Michael Young, said that the law didn't include many aspects even though he voted to ban abortion.


What is the legislation?
The legislation seeks to ban abortions from the time frame when a fertilized egg in a uterus. The bill allows exceptions such as cases of incest, rape and when the mother's life is at risk. Abortion has been allowed for rape and incest victims within the first 12 weeks for girls aged 15 and the first eight weeks for girls aged 16 and above.

The state of Indiana currently allows abortions up to 20 weeks after fertilization. Abortion is allowed till 22 weeks after the mother's last menstrual period.

Most Republican senators supported the abortion ban even though a few said that a zero-week ban was indeed strict. Democrats like Senator Jean Breaux felt it was against every woman in the state. Though the Republican yes voters said that the law didn't restrict abortion for rape or incest, the Democrats felt that the law was ferocious. However, Breaux thought he was ashamed that a bill of such a nature could muster support from such quarters where people could believe in this manner.

The commotion and noise infiltrated the chambers of the Senate and disturbed the chamber's proceedings. The boos were so loud that even the Senator's voices on the loudspeaker were muffled.

Protestors like Di Harding felt that they would be able to alter the decision to ban abortions by some individuals. She left the place in tears when the vote results were announced.

Many felt that the decision was more horrific than a shock. Senator Young was chased in the hall by a few protestors. Online polls showed that most Indiana natives (75%) supported making abortion legal.