Indiana adopts near-total abortion ban as governor signs SB 1 into law

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Governor Eric Holcomb announced late Friday night that he had signed Senate Bill 1 within an hour of its passage.

This decision follows a marathon day that saw both chambers pass the bill outlawing abortion except for several narrow exceptions.

“Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life. In my view, SEA 1 accomplishes this goal following its passage in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support. These actions followed long days of hearings filled with sobering and personal testimony from citizens and elected representatives on this emotional and complex topic. Ultimately, those voices shaped and informed the final contents of the legislation and its carefully negotiated exceptions to address some of the unthinkable circumstances a woman or unborn child might face.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb

Senate Bill 1 passed with a 62 to 38 vote in the House after several hours of discussion. In a final vote, the bill passed through the Senate 28 to 19. It then headed to Governor Holcomb’s desk where it only stayed for an hour and was then signed.

SB1 had previously passed in the Senate 26-20. The bill is a near-total abortion ban with few exceptions including rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

The state’s near-total-abortion ban will take effect on September 15.