Pryor fighting to maintain abortion rights alongside Vice President Kamala Harris

INDIANAPOLIS – During a meeting between Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris and other Democratic Hoosier lawmakers, House Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) helped lead the charge for abortion rights in Indiana and was happy to hear the Vice President share her thoughts and encouragement on the fight ahead:

“I would love my state to be in the spotlight on a positive note,” Pryor said. “Unfortunately, we are here because the U.S. Supreme Court made a bad decision as it relates to abortions and Republicans in my state, Indiana, have decided to make more restrictions on this safe medical procedure.

“Data reveals the maternal mortality rate in Indiana is the third highest in the nation at 44 deaths per 100,000 births. It is estimated that a ban in Indiana will lead to a 21% increase in the number of pregnancy related deaths overall. For Black women that number is 33%. This is a crisis that is killing Black women at 2.5 times the national rate.

“For 50 years, women have had a right to an abortion. That right was carelessly taken away by the U.S. Supreme Court. We are the country of Freedom and Liberty, except when it comes to women making decisions for themselves.”

Vice President Harris addressed Indiana Democratic lawmakers, as Indiana is the first state in the nation to have a special session to address abortion since the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade earlier this month.

“The government should not be telling an individual what to do, especially as it relates to one of the most intimate and personal decisions a woman could make,” Harris said. “The president and I take seriously our work that is about protecting the health, the safety and the well-being of the women of America, and that includes the women of Indiana. And that is why I'm here.”

Senate Bill 1 (ss) will first be considered by the Indiana Senate before the Indiana House of Representatives considers it.