Abortion ban

Wide ranging abortion bill moves through Senate. Advocates warn it will have a further chilling effect.

The Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday affirmed a ruling by a trial court judge upholding the state’s near-total abortion ban, specifically provisions relating to medical providers and potential exemptions.

According to a new state report, only 146 abortions were performed in Indiana last year, the first in which the state's near-total abortion ban was in effect the entire 12 months.

Lawmakers filed several bills to further restrict abortion access and strengthen reporting requirements in Indiana — which already has a near-total abortion ban. Reproductive rights advocates said even though the bills didn’t move forward, they’re concerned lawmakers will continue to pursue the policies in the future.

Doctors argue releasing abortion records, even with redaction, could compromise patient privacy. The judge’s ruling temporarily blocks the state from disclosing the reports while the case proceeds.

Since Indiana's near-total abortion ban went into effect more than a year ago, some reproductive health care providers said they’ve had to adjust the conversations they have with patients about birth control. Some providers said the few, narrow exceptions under the ban make care difficult to access, which they said makes knowing which contraceptive options are available is even more important.

Since Indiana's near-total abortion ban took effect, patients have encountered new challenges and barriers to what many providers consider an essential part of OB-GYN care.

It’s been nearly one year since Indiana’s near-total abortion ban took effect, limiting access to care to just a few narrow exceptions. It will take some time for data to better reflect the impact the law has had on Hoosiers.

An Iowa law that bans abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy is poised to go into effect next week. The law could have rippling affects on abortion care across the Midwest.

The trial in the latest legal challenge to Indianas near-total abortion ban wrapped up Friday with closing arguments from both sides. The judge will now weigh questions about specific elements of the law.