INDIANAPOLIS—Saturday, June 24 marks one year since Roe v. Wade was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Health Committee Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:

“The Dobbs decision has had a destabilizing, harrowing and overall chilling effect in Indiana. In the year since Roe was overturned and Indiana Republicans rushed to block care for Hoosiers in a special session, women’s access to care has taken multiple hits. Healthcare locations have stopped offering abortion procedures out of fear and in preparation, and health centers have even closed down, like Whole Woman’s Health Alliance in South Bend.

“I’m disturbed by the impact the supermajority’s abortion ban has already had even while temporarily blocked by the courts. I know it will continue to have a ripple effect, limiting providers’ ability to do their jobs caring for Hoosiers in need of vital healthcare. We also know this law will further exacerbate Indiana’s already high maternal mortality rate, especially for Black and minority women. One of the most bothersome things about the effort to limit abortion is that we all know it will not stop people from accessing this medically necessary healthcare. Women who are wealthier, who have access to transportation and can travel out of state—they are inconvenienced by the effects of the ban but still have the means to get the care they need. Lower-income women, those without transportation, teens without a driver’s license or support, victims of domestic abuse, minority women: these are the women this law is targeting, inadvertently or not.

“I’m deeply opposed to financial and social status being a determinant for healthcare access, and I will continue to fight now and always for full reproductive freedom and healthcare access for all Hoosiers. This anniversary marks a dark day, but it’s a reminder of the importance of our ongoing fight for reproductive justice and freedom for Hoosiers and all Americans.”