STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – A letter recently sent to the governor includes the names of local lawmakers who are 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, State Reps. Dale Devon (R-Granger), Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) and Timothy Wesco (R-Osceola) stand ready to reconvene at the Statehouse to pass legislation to better protect the sanctity of life.
"Our state has worked hard to protect the most vulnerable at every opportunity," Devon said. "I eagerly stand ready to continue our fight for the lives of the unborn at the first opportunity."
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.
"It's a top priority to continue building on Indiana's strong track record as one of the most pro-life states in the nation," Teshka said. "If the court returns the question of abortion rightfully back to the people, we need to take action immediately to protect the lives of those who can't protect themselves."
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. Wesco said with years of strong conservative leadership, Indiana ranks at the top of the 2021 Defending Life report card from Americans United for Life.
"Our goal is to save the lives of the unborn in our country," Wesco said. "Where other states may waver, we stand ready, willing, and hopefully soon, able to end abortions in the Hoosier state."
This legislative session, Devon, Teshka and Wesco 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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
