STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2022) – A letter recently sent to the governor includes the name of State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), who is urging him to call a special session if the U.S. Supreme Court completely or partially overturns Roe v. Wade.
The nation's highest court is expected to rule in June on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization where the state of Mississippi is challenging Roe. Assuming the Court completely or partially overturns Roe v. Wade, Heaton stands ready to return to the Statehouse to help pass legislation to better protect the sanctity of life.
"Indiana is a strong pro-life state," Heaton said. "I agree with reconvening as soon as possible to take immediate action if Roe v. Wade is completely or partially overturned. The health of Hoosier mothers and their unborn children is a top priority."
Indiana Right to Life estimates an additional 4,000 abortions would occur in the state if the General Assembly waits until the 2023 legislative session to address any changes to Roe v. Wade.
Since 2008, abortions dropped by 29% in Indiana and are currently less than half of the state's all-time high of over 16,500 in 1980. Heaton said with years of strong conservative leadership, Indiana ranks at the top of the 2021 Defending Life report card from Americans United for Life.
This legislative session, Heaton supported a new law making it a felony in Indiana to coerce a woman into having an abortion. The law also holds abortion clinics accountable for failing to report coercion to law enforcement. According to a 2017 Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons study, nearly 75% of the 987 American women who participated in an after-abortion survey admitted they experienced at least subtle forms of pressure to terminate their pregnancies.
Click here for a copy of the letter sent to the governor.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
