By HOLLY GASKILL
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, state Rep. Matt Lehman said he plans to support further abortion restrictions in Indiana.
“The SCOTUS decision paves the way for states to act, and in Indiana, we are going to seize the opportunity to save more innocent lives,” Lehman wrote in a statement. “As we work on legislation further protecting the unborn, we will also focus on expanding support for pregnant mothers and their newborn babies.”
On Friday, Gov. Eric Holcomb said that the state’s position would be up for discussion during the special session on July 6.
Indiana Senate member Travis Holdman also issued a statement regarding his position moving forward.
“While I believe this a polarizing issue, the Supreme Court’s decision is welcome news for those who support the rights of the unborn,” Holdman said. “The Supreme Court ruled to return the power to states on policymaking for abortion, and I look forward to getting to work on this for the upcoming special session.”
In March, Lehman — alongside 99 other state leaders — signed a letter to Holcomb expressing their desire to expand abortion restrictions.
The letter read: “It is the desire of the House and Senate leadership, including the signatures, below, for you to call the General Assembly back in for a special session, at the earliest date practicable, should the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling expand Indiana’s ability to protect unborn children … As a state that recognizes that life is a precious gift that should never be neglected, it is our desire that you, as the Governor of Indiana, ensure that those values are upheld without delay.”
“We understand the magnitude of the court’s ruling and will be thoughtful in our next steps,” Lehman added in his statement Friday.
holly@news-banner.com
