Abortion rights advocates petition to block abortion ban

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A coalition of abortion-rights supporters is asking Gov. Eric Holcomb to oppose a bill that would ban abortion in Indiana.

The Indiana Reproductive Justice Coalition delivered 3,000 petition signatures to the Republican’s office Wednesday, asking him to stop the measure sponsored by GOP Rep. Curt Nisly. They say it’s unconstitutional.

Nisley represents House District 22, which includes portions of Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

The group plans to closely monitor the Statehouse this session and present a unified message on reproductive rights issues.

Holcomb opposes abortion but says he doesn’t want to focus on social issues this year. GOP House Speaker Brian Bosma opposes the bill.

Anti-abortion groups say they are emboldened by Donald Trump’s election and hope Nisly’s bill will create a law that’s challenged in court. They believe that could lead to overturning the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.