Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill Friday night that bans most abortions. The new law prohibits the procedure except in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life and physical health of the mother. The rape and incest exemptions only apply in the first 10 weeks after fertilization. Victims would not be required to sign a notarized assault affidavit, which was previously proposed. Abortions will also be allowed if a fetus is diagnosed with a fatal abnormality. According to the bill, abortions can only be performed in hospitals or hospital-owned outpatient centers. This means that all abortion clinics would lose their licenses. A doctor who performs an illegal abortion or fails to file the necessary reports will also lose his medical license. PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY CLINICS STILL IN FORCE, 3 MONTHS AFTER SUPREME COURT LEAK Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill Friday night that bans most abortions. (AP) Indiana is the first state in the nation to pass new legislation restricting access to abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. It became the first state to pass a ban through both houses of the Legislature after West Virginia lawmakers missed a chance to be the first on July 29. “After Roe was overturned, I made it clear that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life,” Holcomb said in a statement. “In my opinion, [the abortion law] achieves that goal.” The Indiana Senate approved the legislation 28-19 on Friday, hours after the House passed it by a vote of 62-38. GOP Rep. Wendy McNamara told reporters after the House vote that the legislation makes Indiana “one of the most pro-life states in the nation.” STACEY ABRAMS CLAIMS ‘IT’S DEADLY TO BE PREGNANT IN GEORGIA IF YOU’RE A BLACK WOMAN’ DURING MSNBC Indiana is the first state in the nation to pass new legislation restricting access to abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts) And fellow Republican Rep. Ann Vermilion criticized members of her own party who have called women “murderers” for having abortions. “I think the Lord’s promise is for grace and goodness,” he said. “He wouldn’t jump to condemn these women.” In the Senate, eight Republicans participated and 11 Democrats voted against the bill. Democratic Sen. Jean Breaux wore a green ribbon on her lapel Friday to show her support for abortion access. “We are giving in to democracy,” he said. “What other freedoms, what other freedoms are there in the piece, waiting to be stripped?” GOP Sen. Mike Bohacek, whose 21-year-old daughter has Down syndrome, said the legislation doesn’t provide enough protections for disabled women who rush. Republican Sen. Sue Glick said she doesn’t think “every state is going to come down to the same place” but that most Indiana residents support aspects of the bill. CONNECTICUT LAUNCHES WEBSITE AND ABORTION OPEN LINE AFTER ROE VS. REVERSE WADE CAUSED ‘CHAOS’ The Indiana Senate approved the abortion ban 28 to 19 on Friday, hours after the House passed it by a vote of 62 to 38. Then Gov. Eric Holcomb signed it almost immediately after it landed on his desk. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The ban will take effect on September 15. “To the people of Indiana, let me assure you that the democratic process is moving forward, and you should continue to reach out to all of your elected representatives to make your voice heard,” Holcomb said in his statement. “Looking back, I am personally very proud of every Hoosier who came forward to courageously share their views in a debate that is unlikely to stop anytime soon. For my part as your governor, I will continue to keep my ears open.” Indiana Senate Democrats criticized the Twitter ban. The group wrote: “A massive government overreach. State-mandated pregnancy. Rollback of women’s rights. Failure of democracy. Call it what you will – it’s a stain on our state.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
