Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed a bill Sunday requiring medical providers to report to the state any "adverse physical or psychological condition arising from the induction or performance of an abortion." The bill details 26 of these complications, which include blood clots, cardiac arrest, depression and anxiety.
The measure also contains provisions requiring annual inspections for abortion clinics and legalizing the use of "baby boxes" in fire departments. The boxes enable a parent to leave an infant in the box anonymously without any penalty.
"This bill does what 27 other states have done to gather information on these procedures without restricting access to them," Gov. Holcomb said in a statement.
The law’s supporters argue that it will help the state collect data on the safety of abortion.
"This important pro-life law ensures abortion complications don't get swept under the rug. Hoosier women deserve better,” Mike Fichter, President and CEO of Indiana Right to Life, said. “We don't want to see anyone injured by the abortion industry. The law also recognizes that abortions are too often the result of coercion, abuse and trafficking, and it starts the process to correct those injustices."
The law, which would take effect in July, was based on model legislation from Americans United for Life (AUL) and AUL President Catherine Glenn Foster praised Holcomb for signing it.
“Americans United for Life is thrilled that Indiana's Governor Holcomb has signed S340, which is based on our recently updated Abortion Reporting Act,” Foster said. “S340 strengthens the reporting requirements for abortion-related complications, ensuring that complete and reliable data on the risks of abortion is available to women, the medical community, and the general public.”
However, the bill’s opponents argue that the reporting requirements are unnecessarily burdensome and stigmatizing.
“SEA 340 adds unnecessary restrictions to Indiana’s licensing requirements for abortion providers and is the perfect example of government intrusion into the sacred relationship between doctors and their patients,” Christie Gillespie, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky said. “This law is not about enhancing patient safety, and does absolutely nothing to reduce unintended pregnancies."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is reviewing the law and has not ruled out suing over it.
"It seems like our Legislature's dead set on passing radical abortion restrictions every single year," ACLU Indiana director of advocacy Katie Blair told the Associated Press.