House Democratic Leader GiaQuinta on GOP funding proposal for forced birth

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, House Bill 1001 (ss) was heard on second reading. The bill, which Republicans claim will bolster support for the women they intend to forcibly give birth and their children, was a fine start, but has numerous flaws. House Democrats offered a number of proposals to improve the bill and show strong leadership for Hoosier women and children. Unfortunately, House Republicans defeated those pragmatic amendments.

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) offered the following statement in response: 

“House Republicans intend to force 8,000 women annually to give birth against their will. This bill is their attempt to increase maternal and infant support as Indiana deals with a rise in births. 

“The amount they’re proposing we devote to maternal and infant health in response to this influx is, quite frankly, offensive. It’s peanuts. We already lead the nation in maternal and infant mortality, and without a massive increase in public health spending, it of Republicans get their way and enact a total abortion ban.

“Today, House Democrats offered amendments to make Indiana a state that actually supports families. Republicans said no to all of it – required workplace pregnancy accommodations, removing the sales tax on breastfeeding products, required paid family leave, and much more. Unfortunately, as it stands, this bill will have little tangible impact on the lives of Hoosier women and families, with or without an abortion ban. 

“What’s the message today to Hoosier women from Republicans? I’ll tell you: We’re going to force you to give birth. While you’re pregnant, though, we won’t guarantee that your workplace doesn’t discriminate against you or force you to do physical labor that harms you and your child. Once you give birth, we won’t make it easier to pay for the necessary supplies to raise a baby. And, to top it all off, we won’t ensure that your workplace grants you paid maternity leave as you raise this child.”