New abortion bill in Indiana goes into effect August 1

SOUTH BEND, Ind - The new abortion bill is going into effect in less than 24 hours, pro-choice advocates met here at the civil rights heritage center to discuss how to get people more engaged on reproductive rights. 

While pro-life groups say it’s a day of celebration and pro-choice activists worry this will put more pregnant women in danger. 

“This is going to be devastating for people in Indiana,” said Karen Nemes, Acting Director of Pro-Choice South Bend.  

A call-to-action as activists rally for reproductive justice in south bend, Monday. 

Nemes worries Indiana's near-total abortion ban will negatively impact Hoosier's reproductive healthcare. 

“Right now, Indiana is 45th in the country for infant mortality and 47th in the country, so if our legislators really care about mothers and babies and families, I think they could be putting their efforts to improving those numbers and really put their money where their mouth is,” said Nemes.   

The new law taking effect August 1 still has exceptions for the mother's health, and if the fetus has a fatal abnormality up to 20 weeks and a woman could still get an abortion for cases of rape and incest 10 weeks after fertilization. 

Pro-life advocate Melanie Lyon who is the Executive Director of Voices for Life, is celebrating the new bill, despite the pushback and delays. 

“Tomorrow we are going to wake up in a better Indiana, tomorrow we are going to wake up in and Indiana where preborn children are more protected,” said Lyon. 

State representative Maureen Bauer attended Monday's rally, though the republican-dominated legislature makes any expansions to access for abortions unlikely. 

“By restricting women's healthcare access in the state of Indiana we will continue to hear stories of loss and of poor maternal health outcomes in the state so were just gathering to share information about where we go from here when the law goes into effect,” said Bauer.   

There is still one lawsuit against Indiana's new abortion law, citing religious exceptions. 

It could add another path for women seeking abortion services but won't stop Indiana's new law from taking effect. 

"We’re going to be celebrating, celebrate all the women and children who will be spared the violence of abortion, cause this legislation is going into effect and we have voices for life realizes there still are a lot of challenges ahead to the pro-life movement but if we can celebrate one life being saved then that’s something that’s worthy of celebration, it’s a victory on its own,” said Lyon.  

As of now, the ACLU has asked the state's high court to put the near total abortion ban on hold.