Pryor speaks in opposition to near-total abortion ban

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) spoke on the House Floor today in opposition to Senate Bill 1 (ss), which is a near-total ban on abortion, with exceptions for just rape, incest, lethal fetal anomaly and life of the mother. The bill, which passed by a vote of 62-38, was the first bill to restrict abortion that passed in the nation following Roe v. Wade being overturned in June.

“This bill has nothing to do with pro-life or Right to Life,” Pryor said. “Let's call it for what it is, this bill is about controlling when a woman should give birth and under what circumstances. This bill is about forcing birth.”

While the bill has exceptions for rape and incest, victims have just 10 weeks post-fertilization to seek an abortion, a time frame several health care professionals deemed insufficient for many victims during public testimony before the Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Aug. 2.

“What about these young children, young girls, who are babies themselves?,” Pryor said. “Their innocence is taken away and we're forcing her to be victimized all over again. Doesn't that child deserve a chance to be a child? I believe she does.”

Pryor also cited a lack of resources of Hoosier women and children in her opposition to the bill.

“Democrats continue to put forth amendments that will improve and make life better for Hoosiers who are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck. They deserve a dignity, and the children who are born deserve a good quality of life. But we don't adequately fund anything to help the children that are here, the children we see every day, the children who are the in the state's care. My Republican colleagues have found more ways to say no than there are languages.”