Bauer statement on Bopp comment

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) issued the following statement after National Right to Life lawyer James Bopp commented in Politico about the tragic and horrifying case of a 10-year-old girl who was raped and had to travel to Indiana for a legal abortion because of Ohio’s restrictive abortion laws. Bopp said that under his proposed model legislation, the victim in question “would have had the baby, and as many women who have had babies as a result of rape, we would hope that she would understand the reason and ultimately the benefit of having the child.”

“A 10-year-old girl cannot and should not be a mother,” Bauer said. “That’s why abortion is health care and why we need to keep our current abortion laws in place in Indiana. Child abuse victims deserve compassion, care and options. 

“I would hope that Statehouse Republicans would understand the reason and ultimately the benefit of an elementary school student not having her life and physical health derailed by someone who likely caused the worst moments of her life. 

“When Republicans say no exemptions for rape and incest, believe them. I will continue to trust women and victims of sexual assault. It’s on Statehouse Republicans to denounce the statement made by Bopp and show that they believe girls should not be forced to give birth by the government.”