Indiana Legislature first to approve abortion bans post Roe

Indiana on Friday became the first state in the nation to approve abortion restrictions since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, as the Republican governor quickly signed a near-total ban on the procedure shortly after lawmakers approved it.

The ban, which takes effect Sept. 12, includes some exceptions. Abortions would be permitted in cases of rape and incest, before 10-weeks post-fertilization; to protect the life and physical health of the mother; and if a fetus is diagnosed with a lethal anomaly.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

Victims of rape and incest would not be required to sign a notarized affidavit attesting to an attack, as previously proposed in the Senate.

A doctor who performs an illegal abortion or fails to file required reports must also lose their medical license — wording that tightens current Indiana law that says a doctor “may” lose their license.

Eric Holcomb said in the statement announcing that he had signed the measure. “For my part as your governor, I will continue to keep an open ear.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS