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.
-
Community leaders launch plan to transform Far East Side’s future
Community leaders on the Far East Side of Indianapolis are developing a long-term quality of life plan aimed at reshaping the neighborhood’s narrative and expanding opportunities for residents.
'We can't take it anymore': Braun appoints new utility consumer commissioner
Abby Gray will lead the office, which Braun says will work to evaluate utilities' profits and help implement cost-saving measures to reduce the burden on Indiana ratepayers.
Will Power leaves Team Penske after 17 years to join Andretti Global
Will Power needed just one day to close the door on his 17-year career with Team Penske with the announcement Wednesday that he will replace Colton Herta at Andretti Global next season.
Consumer Alert: Scammers target popular Labubu toy craze
Parents and toy collectors hoping to get their hands on the trending Labubu plushies should be on high alert, according to the Better Business Bureau.
