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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana Republican lawmakers have sent a letter requesting that Gov. Eric Holcomb call a special legislative session if the Supreme Court of the United States completely or partially overturns Roe v. Wade with its upcoming ruling in a Mississippi abortion case.
The joint letter, which has 100 signatures between the Indiana House and Senate, requests that Holcomb call for a special session “at the earliest date practicable” should SCOTUS “expand Indiana’s ability to protect unborn children” via its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
“Providing a voice for those that have not yet been able to speak for themselves is a responsibility that we do not take lightly, and this is exactly why this request is so important,” the letter states.
In Dobbs, the state of Mississippi hopes to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, decisions that say women have a constitutional right to abortion before a fetus is viable. The high court’s conservative majority has signaled it may uphold Mississippi’s 15-week ban on abortion and may go further to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to The Associated Press.
“We stand ready to act if the nation’s highest court either partially or wholly overturns Roe V. Wade, which would empower states to enact laws that better protect the sanctity of life,” Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said in a statement. “Building on Indiana’s strong track record as one of the most pro-life states in the nation is a top priority, and if the court returns the question of abortion rightfully back to the people, we want to take action immediately.”
According to the AP, more than 20 Republican legislatures around the country have proposed new restrictions since January modeled after laws in Texas and Mississippi that present a challenge to Roe v. Wade.
The Indiana Legislature announced at the beginning of this year’s short legislative session it wouldn’t pursue any major anti-abortion action until after SCOTUS made a decision.
“I have long believed that most policymaking decisions are best left to the states, and pro-life issues are no exception,” Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, said in the statement. “We can’t predict what the Supreme Court will do in Dobbs, but if Roe is partially or wholly overturned, my caucus members and I are ready to act as soon as possible to protect life in our state.”
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