State of Indiana Archives: on Abortion


Andrew Straw: A fetus has rights; treat abortion like euthanasia

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Oppose "unrestricted" It should be illegal to have an abortion for a civil rights-suppressing purpose, such as solely on the basis of disability or race or sex of the fetus.

Q: So if a woman makes the decision herself, that's ok? As long as her reason is not about disability or race or gender? In other words, you'd agree with "Abortion is a woman's restricted right"?

A: Let me be clear. A fetus has rights and that is why they have civil rights. If a woman was not involved in the pregnancy, she would have NO RIGHT to kill her own child just like she has no right to do euthanasia against a disabled person or a senior or some adult who was a certain race or gender. Abortion is actually killing someone and if that makes the calculus difficult, that's too bad. Deal with it. A woman does not have an unrestricted total right to kill her fetus and no number of federal judges can change this.

Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate Mar 2, 2018

Andrew Straw: Since 1973, courts allowed parents to kill their children

Abortion is not an abstract notion. Since 1973, tens of millions of Gen X babies were aborted. Have you never wondered why that generation is so much smaller than the ones around it? I feel my generation is smaller because the Baby Boomer parents discovered that the federal courts would allow them to kill their children.
Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate Mar 2, 2018

Brad Ellsworth: Taxpayer money ok for abortions

Both support extending tax cuts for small businesses. Both are also anti-abortion and in favor of gun rights.

Ellsworth even earned an endorsement from the National Rifle Association because Coats voted in 1991 for the Brady Bill to institute federal background checks for most gun purchases.

Coats said he earned an endorsement from the Indiana and National Right to Life organization, mostly because Ellsworth voted for a health care law that did not prohibit taxpayer money being used for abortions.

Source: News & Tribune coverage of 2010 Indiana Senate debate Oct 24, 2010

Eric Holcomb: Planned Parenthood videos were despicable, but no shutdown

Eric Holcomb called the Planned Parenthood videos "beyond the pale" and explained last week, "Anyone who has seen the videos, even one of the videos, comes to the conclusion that this is despicable behavior."

But Holcomb stops short of taking the route of futility. "The one thing different about me from them is I'm not in Congress," Holcomb said of his two primary opponents. "They have to make their own decisions, but I hope we don't shut the government down. The more I hear from the general public, they are sour on the constant talk of a shutdown and the dysfunction in Washington. That ought not be our strategy."

He cites "other possibilities," though does not specify ways to achieve the defunding, short of electing a Republican president in 2016.

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2016 Indiana Senate race Sep 17, 2015

Eric Holcomb: Banned abortion after 13 weeks with exceptions

Q: Keep abortion legal or ban?

Eric Holcomb: Ban. Signed bill prohibiting abortion procedure used after 13 weeks except when a woman's health would otherwise be at risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment.

Woody Myers: Legal. "Will fully support a woman's right to make choices about their reproductive lives." Will "protect Planned Parenthood's health services."

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Evan Bayh: Supports public funding for Planned Parenthood

Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Bayh: Yes

Young: No

Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?

Bayh: No

Young: Yes

Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?

Bayh: Unknown

Young: Yes

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Indiana Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Jim Banks: Unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life

Jim has worked hard over the past five years in Indianapolis and been a part of important pro-life successes in the state legislature. Send Jim to Washington and he will:
Source: 2016 Indiana House campaign website JimBanks.us Nov 8, 2016

Joe Donnelly: God would never intend for rape to happen

Mourdock says when a woman is impregnated during a rape, "it's something God intended." Mourdock was asked Tuesday during the final minutes of a debate whether abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest.

He replied: "I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that's something God intended to happen."

In response to Mourdock's comment, Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly said after the debate that he doesn't believe "my God, or any God, would intend that to happen."

Source: Associated Press on 2012 Indiana Senate debate Oct 23, 2012

Joe Donnelly: Abortions only in cases of rape, incest, and maternal life

Republican Richard Mourdock ignited a controversy over rape and abortion in Tuesday's final Senate debate that lit up the internet and prompted GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to disavow his words. The storm erupted when the candidates were asked about abortion. Both Mourdock and Donnelly said they believe life begins at conception. Donnelly said he supported allowing abortions only in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

Mourdock, who appeared to choke back tears as he spoke, said the only exception he could support was if the mother's life was in danger. "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said, his voice thick with emotion. His words drew immediate shocked reaction, [including] Romney's campaign: "Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views."

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

John Gregg: Opposed law requiring interring aborted fetuses

A controversial abortion bill signed by Gov. Pence requires the remains of aborted or miscarried fetuses to be interred or cremated. It also bans abortions sought solely due to fetal abnormality, including Downs syndrome, as well as sought solely on the basis of race or gender.

"By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families," Pence said.

John Gregg, the Democrat challenging Pence in the November election, said he would have vetoed the controversial new abortion restrictions his opponent signed into law. He called for a truce on social issues. "While I am personally pro-life, this legislation was not well thought out or properly vetted," Gregg said in a statement. "If I was in the legislature, I would have voted against it and, if I were governor today, I would have vetoed it."

Source: Indianapolis Star on Indiana legislative voting records Apr 5, 2016

Mark Hurt: Life is precious; no tax-payer funded abortion

Hurt spoke passionately about the need to support families--the first line of defense in our national security. Because he believes life is precious, Hurt spoke out against tax-payer funded abortion and supports expanded delivery of health care for all Hoosiers through local community health centers.

Hurt contends: "Government takeovers in health care, costly regulations with no cost/benefit analysis, government intervention in unprecedented sectors of our economy, attacks on religious liberties and so many areas of our individual lives, are fostering dependence, disillusionment, and hopelessness among too many in our country.

Hurt adds: "We need to provide support for mothers and fathers who teach their children the values of hard work, the importance of serving others, and compassion for the poor."

Source: 2018 Indiana Senate race website, MarkHurt.org Mar 3, 2017

Mark Hurt: Against abortion, funding Planned Parenthood

Mark Hurt believes life is precious and has intrinsic value, both at the beginning and end of life. For that reason, Hurt believes in protecting the lives of the unborn. Because we are called to be compassionate, Mark is strongly supportive of pregnancy resource centers which provide coaching in parenting skills, as well as other direct assistance to women and men in need. Hurt is opposed to taxpayer dollars funding abortion through Planned Parenthood clinics.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senatorial website MarkHurt.com Oct 15, 2017

Mike Braun: Life starts with conception

Mike Braun is a father of four grown children and many grandchildren. The right to life is deeply important to him and in the Senate Mike will support legislation that says that life begins at conception.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senate campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana.com May 3, 2018

Mike Pence: Periods for Pence: protest against interring aborted fetuses

A controversial bill sets more restrictions on abortion in the state. Women are taking to social media to protest a controversial new Indiana abortion bill in an unconventional way. The Facebook page Periods for Pence has been urging women to call Gov. Pence to give status updates on their menstrual cycles. The page asked women to call Gov. Pence's office to "report their periods," lest they unwittingly dispose of an embryo in the earliest stages of

The abortion bill requires the remains of aborted or miscarried fetuses to be interred or cremated. It also bans abortions sought solely due to fetal abnormality, including Downs syndrome, as well as sought solely on the basis of race or gender.

"By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families," Pence said in a statement.

Source: Indianapolis Star on Indiana legislative voting records Apr 5, 2016

Mitch Daniels: No stem-cell research; private funds ok for adult stem cells

Q: Do you support state funding of stem cell research?

A: No.

Q: Do you support state funding of embryonic stem cell research?

A: No.

Q: Do you support allowing pharmacists who conscientiously object to emergency contraception to refuse to dispense it?

A: Yes.

Daniels adds, "I have no moral objection to research conducted on adult stem cells. In fact, some very interesting and important work in this area is being done at the Indiana University School of Medicine. I do not in principle oppose state support for such research, but in general I believe that our state's limited resources for investment should be focused on later stage research efforts that can support the commercialization of new discoveries and the creation of new companies and jobs from them. If/when adult stem cell research gets to that stage, state investment may make sense."

Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Mitch Daniels: Legal abortion for rape, incest, or medical danger

Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Pete Buttigieg: Federal government should protect reproductive freedom

When asked about the Hyde amendment, which prohibits women from using government health insurance to get an abortion and could lead to abortions being outlawed under "Medicare for all," Buttigieg said he supported repeal. "I think the federal government has become too much of a pressure against women's reproductive freedoms, and we need to make sure that even though a lot of decisions are being made in the states, we have that leadership from the top of the federal government," Buttigieg said.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2020 presidential hopefuls May 6, 2019

Richard Lugar: Government should not have a role in reproductive services

Lugar, the six-term incumbent, said the federal government should not have a role in reproductive services. "I think I'll do a ditto," said Mourdock, the second-term state treasurer.

In his closing comments, Mourdock said, "As you've heard tonight, we have differences." Not many. Unlike the almost daily accusations and rebuttals between their campaigns, Mourdock and Lugar were mostly on the same page during their only debate in advance of the May 8 Republican primary election.

Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on 2012 Indiana Senate debate Apr 12, 2012

Richard Mourdock: Government should not have a role in reproductive services

Lugar, the six-term incumbent, said the federal government should not have a role in reproductive services. "I think I'll do a ditto," said Mourdock, the second-term state treasurer.

In his closing comments, Mourdock said, "As you've heard tonight, we have differences." Not many. Unlike the almost daily accusations and rebuttals between their campaigns, Mourdock and Lugar were mostly on the same page during their only debate in advance of the May 8 Republican primary election.

Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on 2012 Indiana Senate debate Apr 12, 2012

Richard Mourdock: God at work when rape leads to pregnancy

Mourdock says when a woman is impregnated during a rape, "it's something God intended." Mourdock was asked Tuesday during the final minutes of a debate whether abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest.

He replied: "I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that's something God intended to happen."

In response to Mourdock's comment, Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly said after the debate that he doesn't believe "my God, or any God, would intend that to happen."

Source: Associated Press on 2012 Indiana Senate debate Oct 23, 2012

Richard Mourdock: No exception for rape; only for maternal life

Richard Mourdock ignited a controversy over rape and abortion in Tuesday's final Senate debate that lit up the internet and prompted GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to disavow his words. The storm erupted when the candidates were asked about abortion. Both Mourdock and Donnelly said they believe life begins at conception. Donnelly said he supported allowing abortions only in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

Mourdock, who appeared to choke back tears as he spoke, said the only exception he could support was if the mother's life was in danger. "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said. His words drew immediate shocked reaction, [including] Romney's campaign: "Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views." Indiana Right to Life Political Action Committee's also stood by its endorsement of Mourdock.

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

Richard Mourdock: No exception for rape, but God doesn't want people raped

Mourdock said during a debate, "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen." Mourdock, who seemed taken aback by the reaction, tried to clarify his comments after the debate. It was, he said, "sick" and "bizarre" that anyone would think he was saying God had intended the rape. But, he said, God created the life, regardless of the circumstances of the conception. "What I said is God creates life. As a person of faith I believe that," he said. "Does God want people raped? Of course not." Anyone who suggests he said anything else is "twisted," he said.

Donnelly commented after the debate, "I don't know any God who would ever intend something like that," he said of rape. "It is an unspeakable crime."

But Mourdock's position is reflected in the Republican Party's national platform adopted at their convention this year. In fact, it opposed abortion and made no mention of any exceptions of any kind

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

Thomas McDermott: God gives no one a right to control another person's body

I have friends and neighbors who disagree on this issue, but to me it's just simple: God gives no one a right to control another person's body. I'm tired of men telling women what they can do with their own body. Women should have a right to choose, especially when their own lives are on the line. I favor legislation to codify Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. We also must protect resources that go to women's health in other areas through Planned Parenthood.
Source: 2022 Indiana Senate campaign website GoMcDermott.com May 8, 2022

Woody Myers: Fully support a woman's right to choose

Q: Keep abortion legal or ban?

Woody Myers: Legal. "Will fully support a woman's right to make choices about their reproductive lives." Will "protect Planned Parenthood's health services."

Eric Holcomb: Ban. Signed bill prohibiting abortion procedure used after 13 weeks except when a woman's health would otherwise be at risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment.

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Brian Bosma: Voted YES on de-funding Planned Parenthood

Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business--as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in a lawsuit over the de-funding law.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is Indiana's largest abortion provider and does more than 5,000 abortions each year. Indiana became the first state of several to kick the abortion business out of its program in May 2011. A provision of the law, HB1210, would prevent Medicaid patients from obtaining services at Planned Parenthood & other facilities that provide abortions.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the law, which would cut off anywhere from $2 million to $3 million the Planned Parenthood abortion business receives in federal funds via the Indiana government through Medicaid. [Planned Parenthood sued, which led to the court ruling].

Legislative record:Passed House 66-32-2 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13-2 on 4/19/11; signed by Governor 5/10/11; Rep. Bosma voted YEA.

Source: LifeNews.com on 2013 Indiana voting records for HB1210 Apr 27, 2011

Jim Baird: Voted YES on de-funding Planned Parenthood

Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business--as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in a lawsuit over the de-funding law.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is Indiana's largest abortion provider and does more than 5,000 abortions each year. Indiana became the first state of several to kick the abortion business out of its program in May 2011. A provision of the law, HB1210, would prevent Medicaid patients from obtaining services at Planned Parenthood & other facilities that provide abortions.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the law, which would cut off anywhere from $2 million to $3 million the Planned Parenthood abortion business receives in federal funds via the Indiana government through Medicaid. [Planned Parenthood sued, which led to the court ruling].

Legislative record:Passed House 66-32-2 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13-2 on 4/19/11; signed by Governor 5/10/11; Rep. Baird voted YEA.

Source: LifeNews.com on 2013 Indiana voting records for HB1210 Apr 27, 2011

Mitch Daniels: Signed bill de-funding Planned Parenthood

Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business--as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in a lawsuit over the de-funding law.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is Indiana's largest abortion provider and does more than 5,000 abortions each year. Indiana became the first state of several to kick the abortion business out of its program in May 2011. A provision of the law, HB1210, would prevent Medicaid patients from obtaining services at Planned Parenthood and othe facilities that provide abortions.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the law, which would cut off anywhere from $2 million to $3 million the Planned Parenthood abortion business receives in federal funds via the Indiana government through Medicaid. [Planned Parenthood sued, which led to the court ruling].

Legislative record:Passed House 66-32-2 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13-2 on 4/19/11; signed by Governor 5/10/11; overturned July 2013.

Source: LifeNews.com on 2013 Indiana voting records for HB1210 May 10, 2011

Suzanne Crouch: Rape/incest survivors need notarized affidavit for abortion

[Indiana Democratic Party press release in opposition]: Additionally, Crouch has shown that she has no problem supporting her Party's extremist agenda. Let's not forget Crouch cast the tie-breaking vote to require survivors of rape or incest to have their affidavits notarized before getting a legal and safe abortion. There's little evidence to believe Crouch would actually put a stop to this extreme level of politics.
Source: INDems press release on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Jun 19, 2023

Suzanne Crouch: Supports a near-total abortion ban, focus on women's health

Crouch addressed reproductive health in the state, saying she is pro-life and wants to focus on women's health in regards to future legislation. She touted Senate Bill 2, passed during a special legislative summer session, saying it provided "$75 million for the support of families and for the support of mothers and babies". The legislation is a near-total abortion ban.
Source: WTWO-2-ABC News on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Dec 14, 2022

Suzanne Crouch: Voted YES on de-funding Planned Parenthood

Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business--as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in a lawsuit over the de-funding law.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is Indiana's largest abortion provider and does more than 5,000 abortions each year. Indiana became the first state of several to kick the abortion business out of its program in May 2011. A provision of the law, HB1210, would prevent Medicaid patients from obtaining services at Planned Parenthood and other facilities that provide abortions.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the law, which would cut off anywhere from $2 million to $3 million the Planned Parenthood abortion business receives in federal funds via the Indiana government through Medicaid. [Planned Parenthood sued, which led to the court ruling].

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 66-32-2 on 4/27/11; Rep. Suzanne Crouch voted YES; passed Senate 35-13-2 on 4/19/11; signed by Governor 5/10/11; Rep. Bosma voted YEA.

Source: LifeNews.com on 2013 Indiana voting records for HB1210 Apr 27, 2011

Marc Carmichael: Women's rights are human rights; codify Roe v Wade

Believes women's rights are human rights and will work to codify Roe v Wade.
Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website MarcForIndiana.com Sep 11, 2023

ACLU: Allow abortion despite race, sex, or diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Apr 7, 2016

Brian Bosma: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; State Rep. Brian Bosma voted YES; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 9, 2016

Erin Houchin: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; State Sen. Erin Houchin voted YES; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 1, 2016

Jennifer McCormick: I do believe that women should have the right to choose

[On reproductive rights]: "I do believe that women should have the right to choose," McCormick said. "A woman should be able to determine who's making that decision with her. Is it a physician? Is it a type of clinic that you visited? Is it a family member? That's your own body, and as a mom, as a woman, I know the importance of being able to make those health care decisions all the way around."
Source: South Bend Tribune on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race May 5, 2023

Jim Banks: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; State Sen. Jim Banks co-sponsored and voted YES; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 1, 2016

Mike Braun: Secure and strengthen gains we have made to protect life

Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society. Indiana should be a place where starting a family is more affordable and achievable. State lawmakers must work to ensure the gains we have made to protect life are secured and strengthened, while working to help mothers and their infants receive the care and social support they deserve to ensure a healthy start to life.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana Oct 24, 2023

Mike Braun: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; State Rep. Mike Braun voted YES; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 9, 2016

Mike Pence: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 14, 2016

Eric Doden: As a Christian, I am 100 percent pro-life

As a Christian, I am 100 percent pro-life and will always defend the dignity of all life. As Governor, we will work tirelessly to find permanent loving homes for the 13,000 children who are currently in our foster care system. By implementing our Zero-Cost Adoption Plan, we will reduce both the financial and bureaucratic barriers to potential adoptive families.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website DodenForIndiana.com Dec 15, 2023

Eric Doden: Will be a champion for the unborn; for zero-cost adoption

A husband, father, and faithful Christian, I am 100% pro-life and will be a champion for the unborn as Governor. It's not just a religious issue for me, it's a human rights issue.

Being pro-life also means I am also pro-mother, pro-child, and pro-family. We will protect the vulnerable and make Indiana one of the first states in the nation to have zero-cost adoption. I support the sustainment and creation of crisis pregnancy centers and local Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website DodenForIndiana.com Dec 15, 2023

Curtis Hill: Supports legislation that restricts access to abortion

A Christian and father, Curtis and his wife Teresa are deeply pro-life and know that life begins at conception. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade and made abortion a state issue. As governor, Curtis will defend the sanctity of life and support legislation that restricts access to abortion. Abortion is both a legal and a moral issue, and there is no issue more critical to justice than protecting society's most vulnerable: the unborn.
Source: 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website CurtisHill.com Dec 19, 2023

Valerie McCray: Safeguard privacy of women for medication and contraception

The right of a woman to make autonomous decisions about her own body/reproductive functions is at the core of her basic human rights to equality, medical privacy, & bodily integrity. I will push for legislation that protects access nationally to abortion with FDA-approved medication/procedures & defend access to emergency medical care & everyday reproductive care. Affordable contraception to anyone who wants and needs it. Safeguard the privacy of patients/providers & ensure they have accurate information and legal resources necessary. For those choosing to grow their family, ensure they have adequate access to resources and for pay for quality of life.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Indiana Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Jim Banks: I oppose "aid in dying" laws

Q: RIGHT TO LIFE: Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants)?

A: Strongly Agree

Q: I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia?

A: Strongly Disagree

Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

A: Under no circumstances

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Indiana Senate race Nov 8, 2022

Jim Banks: No plan to make IVF free

Trump told NBC News last month when asked what he'd do about IVF if elected. "We're going to be mandating that the insurance company pay," Trump told NBC News last month when asked what he'd do about IVF if elected. "We're going to be mandating that the insurance company pay."

Some worried about the high cost of such a policy. Others confessed they don't understand what he's proposing to do. Yet others wondered aloud if Trump was serious. And numerous Trump allies said his announcement came as a surprise to them

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., a former chair of the conservative Republican Study Committee and a Senate candidate, said he hasn't seen a Trump policy plan on IVF to evaluate.

There is scant evidence of a Republican appetite for that plan in Congress. "We'll have to see what that looks like," he said. "I don't know what that would look like -- to make it free."

Source: NBC News on 2024 Indiana Senate race  Sep 10, 2024

Eric Doden: Ardently pro-life including zero-cost adoption policy

Our zero-cost adoption policy is bringing people together on an issue that can often divide. People know I'm ardently pro life, but they also appreciate that we have a zero-cost adoption policy for the 13,000 kids in foster care. And those are the ideas--teacher investment program, our commitment to early childhood education--all these ideas are on our website, and I think it clearly sets us apart from our other candidates in this race.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Jan 10, 2024

Jennifer McCormick: Against Indiana's near-total abortion ban

Reproductive rights: This is McCormick's tentpole issue. She is against Indiana's near-total abortion ban and wants to restore access to abortion services and preserve access to contraception.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Sep 17, 2024

Mark Messmer: Voted YES on de-funding Planned Parenthood

Indiana has lost its battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business--as a judge today issued a permanent injunction in a lawsuit over the de-funding law.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is Indiana's largest abortion provider and does more than 5,000 abortions each year. Indiana became the first state of several to kick the abortion business out of its program in May 2011. A provision of the law, HB1210, would prevent Medicaid patients from obtaining services at Planned Parenthood & other facilities that provide abortions.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the law, which would cut off anywhere from $2 million to $3 million the Planned Parenthood abortion business receives in federal funds via the Indiana government through Medicaid. [Planned Parenthood sued, which led to the court ruling].

Legislative record:Passed House 66-32-2 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13-2 on 4/19/11; signed by Governor 5/10/11; Rep. Mark Messmer voted YEA.

Source: LifeNews.com on 2013 Indiana voting records for HB1210 Apr 27, 2011

Mark Messmer: Prohibit abortion for race, sex, diagnosis of disability

HB1337: Prohibits a person from performing an abortion if the person knows that the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion solely because of: (1) the race, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex of the fetus; or (2) a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down syndrome or any other disability.

ACLU opinion in opposition (April 7, 2016): Racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights advocates have opposed legislative proposals like the Indiana law. They point out that if politicians were serious about addressing inequities based on race, gender or disability status, they could expand access to high quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Legislative Summary:  Passed Senate 37-13-0 on Mar/1/16; State Sen. Mark Messmer voted YES; passed House 60-40-0 on Mar/9/16; signed by Governor Mike Pence on Mar/24/16.

Source: Indiana State Legislature voting records HB1337 Mar 1, 2016

  • The above quotations are from State of Indiana Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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