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Governor Pence signs abortion bill into law

Governor Mike Pence signed an abortion drug regulation measure he says will protect women’s health. However, Planned Parenthood of Indiana says it will likely challenge the law in court.

The signed legislation would require Indiana abortion clinics that only dispense the abortion inducing drug known as RU-486 to adhere to the same physical standards as surgical abortion clinics.  That includes bigger door and room sizes and surgical equipment requirements.  Only one Indiana facility will be affected – a Planned Parenthood clinic in Lafayette.

The bill also mandates women undergo an ultrasound before receiving the drug, though they can choose, in writing, not to view it or listen to the fetal heartbeat.

Pence says the legislation helps ensure RU-486 is dispensed in the safest way possible.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana President Betty Cockrum calls the bill an attempt to chip away at women’s access to abortion, and says a legal challenge is likely. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is partnering with Planned Parenthood on examining the constitutionality of the law, which takes effect July 1.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.
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