INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's near-total abortion ban went into effect Thursday morning. That afternoon, IUPUI's Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE) marched to the governor's residence, where other's had been chanting all afternoon.
"It's a really devastating day to be a Hoosier and a woman living here. I feel just in shock, honestly," Maddy Cahlamer, an Indianapolis resident who showed up to protest, said. "I feel like coming to things like this, showing out and raising my voice are the only hope that I feel like I can do."
"We need to show that we're not going to let this go, and this is something that's important," Indianapolis resident Sophia Swiecki said. "Seeing other countries that are moving past this and going further to help womens' rights and watching us go backwards is unacceptable in my opinion."
Organizers say these demonstrations help people raise their voices when it matters most.
"I really encourage people to vote. I think voting and getting new people in office is the next step. Register to vote. That's my number 1 thing," Brinley Royer, SAFE vice-president said.
"When November hits, or as people are calling it, 'Roe-vember', hopefully, we can vote blue and have a blue wave," SAFE president Noah Thomas said.
WRTV caught up with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb earlier in the day.
"The supermajority in both the House and the Senate that very transparently ran for election and were very upfront about their opinion on this very issue, got overwhelmingly elected," he said. "Folks will have the opportunity to express their preferences come this November, as well."
A small group of anti-abortion protesters from Life Defenders of IUPUI held a quiet counter-protest. They're not worried about November.
"I'm not really nervous because I'm a believer in God, and I pray every day for the cause of life," Life Defenders member Alex Yarbor said. "I believe that since God is on our side, we will ultimately be victorious."
-
Future of I-65, I-70: INDOT concludes ProPEL Indy study
I-65 and I-70 are two of the main ways to get in and around the Indy metro. The city's transportation network is due for a major revamp in the coming years.
IMPD specialized teams recover nearly 2,000 guns in 2025
Newly released numbers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department highlight the significant impact of specialized teams working to reduce violent crime across the Circle City.
Carmel Police roll out new tech to protect officers during traffic stops
The Carmel police are introducing new technology to protect officers during traffic stops, following a weekend when three Indiana State Police vehicles were struck while parked on the roadside.
Holiday prices rise as tariffs and inflation hit retailers and customers
The most wonderful time of the year could soon become the most expensive as retailers and customers alike deal with rising inflation, new tariffs and higher operating costs this year.