About two dozen people Monday delivered petitions to Governor Mike Pence’s office, calling on him to veto an abortion bill approved by lawmakers last week.
The legislation headed to the governor’s desk bans abortions performed solely because of the fetus’ sex, race or disability. It also requires women to choose whether the aborted fetal remains are cremated or buried – under current law, they can be disposed of as medical waste. Harmony Glenn, whose group Indy Feminists helped deliver petitions to the governor’s office, says the measure isn’t about protecting or supporting women.
“Instead, a legislative body comprised mainly of people who will never be pregnant has chosen to pass legislation interfering with a private medical decision,” says Glenn.
Governor Pence says he hasn’t yet decided whether to sign the bill.
“We’ll give that very careful and thoughtful consideration in the days ahead and we’ll come to a conclusion,” Pence says. “But I do bring my belief in the sanctity of life to that and that will inform the way that I evaluate that, ultimately.”
The calls for Pence to veto the bill likely won’t have much impact. The governor says he wants to study the measure closely but adds he’s been a strong supporter of so-called “pro-life” legislation throughout his career…and notes that will inform his decision on the bill.
