Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order last week, calling on the state’s Department of Health to “enforce the law” and resume the release of abortion reports. According to the Indy Star, the order, which calls for the “faithful execution of Indiana’s abortion laws,” reverses the practice of former Governor Eric Holcomb, who withheld the reports over privacy concerns.
Indiana protects preborn children from abortion in nearly all instances, with exceptions for a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or if the mother’s health or life is in danger. However, induced abortion — the act of intentionally killing a preborn child — is not necessary in any of these instances.
Under Holcomb’s administration, the Department of Health had curtailed its release of abortion reports after the pro-life law went into effect — because officials believed that with so few abortions occurring, the reports would be incriminating to the few women who had abortions. This led a state pro-life group to file a lawsuit. Voices for Life argued that without access to the records, “there is no effective way to enforce our pro-life law.” Voices for Life was backed by Attorney General Todd Rokita, who issued an advisory opinion stating the records should be released. A trial judge later dismissed the lawsuit, and the case is now being appealed.
“All I’m trying to do is just make sure that our laws are enforced according to what the Legislature put out there,” Braun said, noting of the lawsuit, “So, on the technicality of how that works out, I’m going to let the attorney general pursue what he’s doing. I’m interested in just making sure that we enforce the law.”
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Indiana Right to Life President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Fichter praised Braun’s order, saying, “Governor Braun’s action today ensures Indiana’s abortion law will be enforced under his administration. In directing the Indiana Department of Health to ensure compliance with pro-life laws, including reporting laws, abortion providers are on notice that there is no tolerance in Indiana for illegal abortions, or acts leading to the injury or deaths of women. We are thankful for Governor Braun’s swift and decisive move in support of Indiana’s law that has ended 98% of abortions in our state.”
Tell President Trump, RFK, Jr., Elon, and Vivek:
Stop killing America’s future. Defund Planned Parenthood NOW!
