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House Sends 'Unethical' Abortion Reversal Bill To Governor

FILE PHOTO: Lauren Chapman
/
IPB News

Indiana’s latest anti-abortion measure will likely soon become law after House legislators sent it to the governor Wednesday.

Some physicians say the legislation, HB 1577, would force them to commit malpractice by telling patients about a protocol to reverse a medication-induced abortion. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association both oppose such procedures, arguing there’s never been a valid scientific study to support them.

But Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) said there is evidence to support abortion reversal, including a young Hoosier mother who appeared in committee with her child after reversing her abortion.

“That’s pretty darn good proof that it does work,” Mayfield said.

Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) said there are better ways to reduce abortions.

“Instead of filing bills restricting a legal medical procedure year after year, let’s work together to support medically-accurate sex education and better access to contraception,” Errington said.

Abortion reversal laws in other states have been struck down in court.

The measure also requires parents giving consent for an abortion to get that consent form notarized. Backers of the legislation say it's about ensuring those parents are who they say they are and argue the requirement could help catch sex traffickers. Opponents say it's a useless provision that will only jeopardize the privacy of the patient.

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

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.
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