STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently approved a bill supported by Hancock County legislators to protect pregnant Hoosier women and their unborn children from coerced abortions.
Under House Bill 1217, it would be a felony in Indiana to coerce a woman into having an abortion. State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) said the bill also holds abortion clinics accountable for failing to report coercion to law enforcement. If passed into law, Indiana would join 18 other states that provide protections to women and babies from coerced abortions.
"This bill can further protect pregnant mothers from being coerced into getting an abortion," Cherry said. "Indiana remains firm in protecting the sanctity of life, and this legislation is another step to keep pregnant Hoosiers and their unborn babies safe."
According to a 2017 Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons study, nearly 75 percent of the 987 American women who participated in an after-abortion survey admitted that they experienced at least subtle forms of pressure to terminate their pregnancies.
State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) said the bill would require medical providers to ask women seeking an abortion if they have been coerced. If coercion is detected, the provider would give information about counseling and financial resources, provide the patient access to a telephone, and an alternative exit from the health care facility. The provider must also report the crime to law enforcement.
"Unfortunately, some pregnant women face pressure and are coerced into an abortion," Eberhart said. "With this legislation, pregnant Hoosiers will have an escape if they're being forced into making a life-changing decision."
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) said the legislation could also help victims of domestic violence or sex trafficking escape their abusers by providing a safe space for women to speak to medical providers privately.
"Coercing someone to abort their child should be recognized as a felony," Jeter said. "The adverse physical and mental impacts that women must cope with after having an abortion should not be ignored, and if someone is forcing this pain on another person, they should face consequences."
Jeter said that under House Bill 1217, anyone who knowingly or intentionally coerces a pregnant woman to have an abortion commits a Level 6 felony, which is punishable by a prison term ranging from 6 months to 2.5 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Any medical facility that employs a mandatory reporter who fails to report coercion is subject to a Class C infraction.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1217, which now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
-30-
State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 57,
which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
