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Top Indiana Democrats react to SCOTUS abortion ruling

By Brandon Smith, IPB News | Published on in Government, Health, Politics
Supreme Court of the United States Building (U.S. Govt. photo)

Indiana Democratic Party leaders say the days are now numbered for people to have access to safe and legal abortions in the state.

The U-S Supreme Court Friday overturned its long-standing abortion rights precedents, clearing a path for states to fully ban abortions.
Indianapolis City-County Counselor Ali Brown says she’s full of “righteous anger.” Brown had a difficult first pregnancy that made it so her life is in danger if she tries to have another child. “If I get pregnant … I will have to leave the state to seek an abortion. And I will because my child deserves a mother who is alive.”

But Brown and other Democratic leaders say they know that won’t be possible for all pregnant people.  It’s not clear whether Indiana will fully ban abortion or allow exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the pregnant person is at risk.

In a statement celebrating the Supreme Court decision, U-S Senator Todd Young seemed to leave the door open to something less than a full ban. He said solutions should include “support” for pregnant people and parents.

U-S Senator Mike Braun was more direct, saying he wants solutions that, in his words, “defend the unborn and save lives.” Such language from anti-abortion advocates often ignores the risk to pregnant people’s lives when abortion access is cut off.