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Major Indiana Abortion Lawsuit Takes Step Forward In Federal Court

Lauren Chapman
/
IPB News

Indiana abortion providers took another step this week in their effort to strike down many of the state’s abortion regulations.

The providers argue that a host of state laws unconstitutionally burden people’s access to abortion.

The trial started earlier this year. What they talked about then were several requirements in state law that force people to make multiple in-person visits to clinics in order to get an abortion.

In this week’s court hearings – the next phase in the lengthy court battle – the arguments focused on a different set of state laws. One is a ban on anyone but a physician providing abortions. Another limits second trimester abortions to hospitals and certain surgical centers. And yet another imposes specific, restrictive building standards on abortion clinics.

There is no timeline for when the federal judge will issue a ruling. And an appeal is likely after that decision is issued.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.