INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate will meet Saturday morning to vote on measure that would ban abortions in the state except in cases of rape, incest and when the mother's life is at risk.
The debate has exposed a deep divide in the Republican super-majority, with some hard-liners arguing that the abortion measure doesn't go nearly far enough.
Late Thursday, senators voted 28-18 to reject an amendment that would have made this bill a near total ban on abortions, making it illegal even in cases of rape and incest.
"This is not an easy bill," said the bill's author Sen. Susan Glick, R-LaGrange. "It's always emotional when you're talking about these types of issues, the most intimate issues."
The Senate returns at 11 a.m. Saturday to hear the abortion ban bill on third reading. If it passes, it will go to the House for debate next week.
The Senate on Friday passed Senate Bill 2 on a 46-1 vote. The bill earmarks $45 million to state agencies for prenatal, pregnancy, postnatal and pediatric wellness services.
The Indiana House passed House Bill 1001, which gives Hoosier an automatic $225 refund, on a vote of 93-2.
Rep. Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, said he hopes the state gets the money to people right away.
"That's what we've been trying to do for the last six months, give the money back to Hoosiers or freeze the gas tax so that people can have money right away," Porter said. "We can't wait until tomorrow... We need to take care of people now."
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc
-
Colts WR Alec Pierce talks about ‘incredible experience’ at Indy 500
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has experienced what it’s like to ride in an IndyCar two-seater.
Thorntown residents asked to evacuate following anhydrous ammonia spill
Residents of Thorntown were asked to evacuate Tuesday following an anhydrous ammonia spill. The Boone County Sheriff's Office said the spill happened in the northwest part of rural Thorntown.
IU’s Curt Cignetti reacts to driving the pace car at the Indy 500
And just this past Sunday, Cignetti served as the honorary pace car driver for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
1997 Huntington County murder solved using advanced DNA testing
According to police, on Dec. 21st, 1997, 25-year-old Angela Saco was found dead on Huntington County Reservoir property off County Road 100 East, north of County Road 100 South in Huntington County.
