INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana House approved a controversial bill Wednesday with new restrictions on abortion.
The 60-40 vote came after more than an hour of emotional floor debate.
The bill prohibits abortions on the basis of the race or sex of a fetus, or a potential disability.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky argues it’s a violation of privacy that restricts women's access to abortions. An Indiana Right to Life spokeswoman said she supports the bill for professional and personal reasons – including her two grandchildren who live with a genetic disorder.
"We cannot imagine life without them, nor would we have considered abortion in that situation," said Indiana Right to Life's Cathie Humbarger. "Every child is a gift from God, and again, every child is a wanted child."
Patti Stauffer, of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, said the bill is nothing more than government intrusion.
"There is no question there are provisions in this bill that greatly impact a woman's ability to access abortion," she said. "It's government intrusion in what should be very private decision making."
The bill will now head to the governor's desk.
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