Indiana Supreme Court hearing arguments surrounding near-total abortion ban

INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) - Indiana’s Supreme Court is hearing arguments for the first time Thursday on the state’s near-total abortion ban.

The ban only allows the procedure in cases where the life of the mother is in danger, and in some cases of rape or incest. Lawmakers approved the ban during last summer’s special legislative session after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Lawsuits followed, claiming the law violated the rights under the Indiana Constitution. Planned Parenthood and other groups filed separate lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.

While the legal challenges are ongoing, the near-total abortion ban has been blocked since September 2022. An injunction has allowed abortion care in the state to resume until a decision is made.

It’s unclear how long it may take for Indiana Supreme Court justices to make a ruling.