The Indiana Supreme Court has ruled that it — and not the Indiana Court of Appeals — will hear a lawsuit claiming the state’s abortion ban violates Indiana’s constitution .
There is currently a preliminary injunction blocking the ban from taking place—meaning abortions are available up to 20 weeks and can be performed by abortion clinics. With Wednesday’s ruling, this will likely remain the case until at least Jan. 12, when the court will hold oral arguments.
In response to the news, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, the group that filed the lawsuit with Planned Parenthood, said on Twitter, “It is a tremendous relief to know that abortion will remain accessible and legal in Indiana while we continue to fight this ban in court. What matters most is that Hoosiers will continue to be able to maintain control over their own bodies, families, and futures.”
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita went one for two, having requested the court take up the case but wanting the injunction lifted in the meantime.
Mike Fichter, CEO of Indiana Right to Life, a group against abortion, also issued a statement.
While “confident the law will be upheld,” Fichter said the organization was “deeply disappointed” the injunction is remaining.
“We estimate at least 3,000 unborn babies, whose lives otherwise might have been saved, will now needlessly die from abortion as the law remains blocked,” Fichter said. “Thousands more will die as we await a final ruling after the January hearing.”
