Indiana is the first state to ban abortion almost completely

The Indiana Assembly passed an abortion ban in the state allowing exceptions only in cases of rape or incest. Indiana becomes the first of 50 states to pass the measure after the Supreme Court overturned Roe Vs. Wade.

The initiative was approved Friday by both houses of the state legislature and was signed into law shortly thereafter by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who then proceeded to proclaim it law. The measure is scheduled to become effective on September 15.

Holcomb expressed his gratitude to the commission on social media for all their work, he then pointed to the citizens: "wait to review the recommendations and take the next steps toward building a stronger public health system".

Prohibited, but not in its entirety

Indiana Republicans had been divided for weeks debating the bill. A majority wanted a complete ban on abortion, while a minority believed that some exceptions should be made. Finally, exceptions were established for rape, incest and also in cases where the fetus has malformations or abnormalities that make its survival impossible, or if the mother's life is in danger.

Until now, abortion was legal in Indiana up to 22 weeks gestation. At the end of June, the Supreme Court overturned 'Roe vs. Wade', thereby ending federal protection for abortion and giving states permission to set their own laws.

"We have an opportunity to move forward in protecting the sanctity of life, and that's exactly what we will do," Governor Holcomb said, after the Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion precedent set in the Roe vs. Wade.