Lawmakers Eye New Abortion Restrictions In Indiana

Friday, February 15, 2019 at 7:37 AM

By Mike Perleberg and Benjamin Yount, 24/7 News Source

HB 1211 seeks to largely outlaw "dismemberment abortions."

Indiana Statehouse

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana lawmakers are once again looking at tougher rules for abortions in the state. 

The House's Public Policy Committee on Thursday heard hours of testimony a plan that would all but ban abortions in the second trimester, or after about 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Particularly, House Bill 1211 would make performing "dismemberment abortions" on a living fetus during or after the second trimester a level 5 felony, which can carry a sentence of up to six years in prison. 

Republicans said the plan is needed to avoid gruesome procedures on unborn babies, while Democrats complained that the state is stepping over the line. 

The bill does provide exceptions for situation where a second trimester abortion would prevent serious health risks to the mother or save the mother's life.

All of Indiana's abortion restrictions passed since 2013 have been scuttled by lawsuits in federal court. Opponents are promising the same with this plan if it becomes law. 

There was no vote on HB 1211 in the committee Thursday.

More from Local News


Events

Hillforest Awarded $1,000 DCF Proactive Grant

DCF will award 15 proactive grants this holiday season.

Shop Small in Downtown Aurora This Saturday

Free SWAG bags to the first 50 shoppers.

Help Plan Batesville’s America 250 Event

A kickoff meeting is scheduled for December 1.

South Ripley Announces Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The class will feature six inductees.

Local Sports Report - November 25, 2025

The boys high school basketball season tipped off on Tuesday.

Ronnie Milsap Pure Love 4:14
Lonestar No News 4:11
Jake Owen The One That Got Away 4:07
Toby Keith A Little Talk And A Lot More Action 4:05