Rep. Randy Frye : Protecting the sanctity of life

Providing pregnant Hoosier women every opportunity to make an informed, voluntary and consensual decision.

Indiana has a strong history of defending the lives of our most vulnerable, and it's critical we stand up for what's right. All human life is precious, and I'm committed to supporting pro-life efforts protecting the health and safety of women and their babies.
 

This legislative session, I supported a new law to help protect pregnant Hoosier women and their unborn children from coerced abortions. House Enrolled Act 1217 will make it a felony in Indiana to coerce a woman into having an abortion, and it will hold abortion clinics accountable for failing to report coercion to law enforcement. This new law will require medical providers to ask women seeking an abortion if they have been coerced. If coercion is detected, the provider would give information about counseling and financial resources, and provide the patient access to a telephone and alternative exit from the facility. This is a step in the right direction to make sure we are providing pregnant Hoosier women every opportunity to make an informed, voluntary and consensual decision.

This summer the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to rule on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization where the state of Mississippi is challenging Roe v. Wade. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the United States at the federal level instead of leaving the question of abortion up to the states. While we are waiting on the ruling in the Dobbs case, I believe Indiana should be prepared to take action if Roe is wholly or partially overturned. That's why I recently signed on to a letter with many of my fellow lawmakers urging the governor to call state legislators back into a special session if there's a favorable ruling, so we can enact legislation to further protect the sanctity of life.

Whether it’s expanding our Safe Haven Law, making it easier for our communities to install baby boxes, or protecting women from coerced abortions, I remain committed to protecting Hoosier women and their unborn babies. I'm proud of all we are doing in Indiana to defend life, but more work remains to be done.