INDIANAPOLIS — A federal appeals court has reversed a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of provisions in an Indiana law that requires abortion clinics to either bury or cremate fetal remains.
It comes after a federal judge found that the requirements infringe on the religious and free speech rights of people who don't believe aborted fetuses deserve the same treatment as deceased people.
A legal challenge to the law was brought on in part by two women who had abortions and objected to the provisions requiring burial or cremation, arguing that implies the personhood of a fetus. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is a defendant in the suit.
PREVIOUS | Judge: Indiana can't enforce abortion burial, cremation law
"... Neither of the two plaintiffs who has had an abortion contends that a third party’s cremation or burial of fetal remains would cause her to violate any religious principle indirectly. What these two plaintiffs contend is that cremation or burial implies a view — the personhood of an unborn fetus — that they do not hold," the opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reads in part.
"... A moral objection to one potential implication of the way medical providers handle fetal remains is some distance from a contention that the state compels any woman to violate her own religious tenets," it states.
The full opinion can be viewed here.
PREVIOUS | Federal judge rules portions of Indiana abortion law unconstitutional
House Enrolled Act 1337 was signed into law in 2016 by then-Gov. Mike Pence. Shortly afterward, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky filed suit, claiming the law violated the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment.
The U.S. Supreme Court later upheld the law.
-
White River fish advocate honored with memorial by the water
The White River is much healthier after a chemical dump killed millions of fish 25 years ago. The man who led the charge to clean the river now has a permanent place next to it.
Rising costs of firetrucks are putting strain on Hoosier Fire Departments
Fire departments across Indiana are grappling with skyrocketing costs for emergency vehicles, creating significant challenges for fire chiefs across the state.
Community alarmed by parents charged with neglect causing death
Community leaders are concerned after court records show at least nine people have been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death charges since January.
Riverside Adventure Park to open next week in Indianapolis
Indy Parks has revitalized one of the city's most historic parks with new playground equipment and trials while highlighting nature in the central part of the Circle City.
