Indiana Senate OKs new hurdle for minors seeking abortions

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Senate sent Gov. Eric Holcomb a measure Wednesday that would make it tougher for a minor to have an abortion without her parents knowing about it, after legislators changed the wording to leave open the possibility that the procedure could still be kept private under some circumstances.

Under Indiana law, girls younger than 18 must either get their parents’ consent to have an abortion or seek permission from a judge.

The bill that senators approved 38-10 in a final vote would require the judge considering the request to also weigh whether the girl’s parents should receive notification of her pursuit of the so-called “judicial bypass,” regardless of the decision on the abortion itself.

The new Republican governor has not taken a public position on it. Spokeswoman Stephanie Wilson wrote in an email that the bill is not on Holcomb’s agenda for the session and declined to comment further, aside from noting he’ll “consider it carefully before making his final decision.”

Senators who voted against the measure Wednesday cited concerns with licensing provisions added in by the House from a separate abortion bill that did not advance, documentation the bill mandates must be kept in the minor’s medical file and the treatment of minors in the foster care system.

The proposal by Sen. Erin Houchin was heavily amended in a House committee amid constitutionality concerns and, when it cleared the chamber last week, GOP lawmakers still appeared to disagree on the bill’s effect.

Three Republicans joined Democratic senators in opposing it on the Senate floor.

The Salem Republican’s bill originally mandated parents receive legal notice when their child pursues a judicial bypass and be provided an opportunity to object to the abortion in court.

The House stripped that provision, instead requiring a judge to consider parental notification.