INDIANAPOLIS— Today, the Republicans voted to pass an extreme policy that endangers the lives of expecting mothers and their babies by forcing births in state that is ill-equipped to provide desperately needed support systems such as maternal, mental, and public health. State Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement following the passage of SB 1:

“I am deeply disappointed that the Republicans have taken Indiana back to the 1960s by depriving women of the right to make science-based decisions with their physicians and faith guides if they so choose. This extreme legislation will harm expecting mothers and their babies, criminalize healthcare providers, and enforce a narrow religious view on all Hoosiers regardless of their faith or non-faith affiliation. I will continue to champion individual liberties, freedom, religious freedom, and oppose extreme anti-family legislation.”

“The political infighting between Statehouse Republicans is holding Indiana back. This extreme legislation is opposed by the overwhelming majority of Hoosiers, including Republicans. Indiana can’t afford reluctant or partisan leadership that places political or monetary considerations above the interests of Hoosier women.