Indiana doctors would be forced to tell patients about so-called “abortion reversal” protocols under legislation approved by the Senate Tuesday.
Anti-abortion advocates have promoted for years that the two-step medication-induced abortions can be reversed if interrupted halfway through. The bill, HB 1577, would require doctors to tell their patients about that claim.
But Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) said the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists oppose abortion reversal.
“Warning that, to date, reversal procedures remain an experimental and an unethical treatment,” Breaux said.
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Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) said there is evidence of success with abortion reversal.
“If you vote no on this bill, you’re saying, ‘If you’re a woman seeking abortion, you shouldn’t get all the information you need to make a decision,'” Brown said.
The bill also requires parental consent for abortion to be notarized. Supporters say it helps ensure the parents are who they say they are and could help prevent human trafficking. Opponents argue it serves no purpose and invades a person’s privacy.
The measure is headed back to the House after a 36-14 vote in the Senate.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
