Gov. Pence Signs Chemical Abortion Bill into Law
May 1, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Gov. Mike Pence signed Senate Bill (SB) 371, a bill that establishes health and safety standards for chemical abortion facilities. SB 371 also addresses informed consent measures. SB 371 cleared its final legislative step with a concurrence vote of 35-14 in the Senate on April 11, 2013.
“We heartily thank Governor Pence for affixing his signature to SB 371,” said Mike Fichter, President and CEO of Indiana Right to Life. “SB 371 is a victory for Hoosiers. It is important that abortion facilities adhere to common sense standards for health and that women are provided with appropriate informed consent materials.
“Through the passage of SB 371, we believe a situation like the Gosnell ‘House of Horrors’ can be prevented in Indiana. The law requires that chemical abortion facilities undergo inspection and licensing, in the same fashion as surgical abortion facilities. This crucial oversight mechanism will help ensure chemical abortion facilities are ready to adequately care for any woman who experiences complications following her procedure.
“While SB 371 only affects one current abortion facility that does only chemical abortions, it also prevents additional facilities from moving into Indiana and setting up shop without any oversight.”
Portions of SB 371 go into effective on July 1, 2013 and on January 1, 2014, as specified in the law. SB 371 was introduced by Sen. Travis Holdman (District 19). Reps. Sharon Negele (District 13), Bob Morris (District 84) and Matthew Lehman (District 79) sponsored SB 371 in the Indiana House.
For a photo of today’s bill signing, click here.
Indiana Right to Life’s mission is to protect the right to life, especially of unborn children, through positive education, compassionate advocacy and promotion of healthy alternatives to abortion.
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