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The Republican-controlled Indiana Senate on Saturday passed a bill banning most abortions after hours of debate and debate.
The bill passed the Senate by a 26-20 vote during a special session and will be sent to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Republican Senator Sue Glick, who created the bill, called the bill’s passage “a huge step forward in protecting the lives of unborn children in the state.”
The law prohibits abortion from the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, with exceptions for rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is in danger. But women seeking abortions under the rape and incest exception must sign a notarized affidavit attesting to the attack.
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Republican Senator Mike Young opposed the rape and incest exception. According to WFYI-TV, “Exceptions equal the death of unborn innocent children,” he said.
Ten Republicans voted against Senate Bill 1 along with ten Democratic colleagues. One Democrat was absent from Saturday’s debate.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers voted against the bill before the vote took place.
Republican Senator Vaneta Becker said, “Women have the right to let us defend our lives and our free will. Senate Bill 1 destroys both. It would be shameful to do this.” He stressed that only eight of the 50 senators are women.
“We are considering making medical decisions blindfolded, and are unaware of the amazing and unintended consequences we are producing,” Becker continued.
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Glick said he was not “100% happy” with the law, but he “can live with it.”
Democratic Senator Tim Lannan slammed the bill as a result of a male-dominated Congress that wants to limit what pregnant women can do with their bodies.
“This is Indiana’s male-dominated government, and it’s telling the women in this state that you lose the choice.” I’m going to tell you what to do with your body, and I don’t think we’re ready for that.”
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As Congress heads into week two of its three-week special session, changes to the House’s proposed bill could come as early as next week.
House Speaker Todd Houston would not comment on the details of Friday’s Senate bill, but said he supported the rape and incest exception.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.