State of Indiana Archives: on Abortion


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13 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

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 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 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13 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 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 on 4/27/11; passed Senate 35-13 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

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

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

  • 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).
2020 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN) 		Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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