Governor Mike Pence signed into law a bill that will protect women’s health. Senate Enrolled Act 371 achieved final passage last week.
“I believe in the right to life and in protecting the health and well-being of women in Indiana. Abortion-inducing drugs can be very dangerous , and must be prescribed under conditions that ensure proper medical care. This new law helps accomplish that goal,” said Gov. Pence. “I applaud both Chambers of the General Assembly for passing this legislation. I am especially appreciative of the leadership of Senator Travis Holdman (R), who authored the bill and Representative Sharon Negele (R), who sponsored the bill in the House.”
Under Senate Enrolled Act 371, abortion-inducing drugs cannot be administered after nine weeks of pregnancy. Facilities that dispense the drug must comply with standards for facilities that provide surgical abortions. The new law also requires the Indiana State Department of Health to post a brochure about abortions on its website and requires Indiana doctors who are performing the abortion to have the brochures available.
In addition, a woman must indicate in writing that she does not want to view a fetal ultrasound and does not want to listen to the fetal heart beat.
Senator Mike Young (R) co-authored Senate Bill 371. Representatives Matt Lehamn (R) and Bob Morris (R) co-sponsored the bill.
