ACLU, Planned Parenthood sue Indiana over abortion ban due to genetics

Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are suing the state of Indiana over the state’s newly-signed law that bans abortions due to genetic defects and requires a burial or cremation, not an “inhumane disposal” of fetal tissue.

The lawsuit asserts that the Indiana law infringes on the rights of women.

“The State of Indiana’s attempt to invade a woman’s privacy and to control her decision in this regard is unprecedented and unconstitutional,” said ACLU Legal Director Ken Falk at a news conference.

The organization does not ask patients why they are seeking an abortion, but the new law would require physicians to report if a fetal anomaly had been present prior to the abortion, which the groups say puts doctors at risk of being reprimanded.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and his government maintain that the law is completely within constitutional bounds.

“We will work with the Attorney General to defend the law that enhances information expectant mothers receive and enhances protection for the unborn,” said Pence’s deputy press secretary, Stephanie Hodgin.

Planned Parenthood and the ACLU take issue with the mandate that aborted babies must be either buried or cremated and cannot merely be disposed of, stating that this is a costly requirement which is not imposed in the case of other medical waste or operations.

“This is the same song and dance we have seen from the abortion provider anytime they feel their lucrative abortion business is threatened,” Indiana Right to Life President Mike Fichter said in a statement. “They oppose any common-sense law that protects women and children because they want to protect their bottom line.”

Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky president and CEO Betty Cockrum said the law, which Pence signed last month, shows the state doesn’t respect women. Indiana and North Dakota are the only states that ban abortions sought because of genetic fetal abnormalities.