- An Indiana pastor warned state lawmakers that a Republican-led abortion ban isn't strict enough, the Indianapolis Star reported.
- The near-total ban outlaws abortions at zero weeks with the only exceptions being rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.
- The pastor told lawmakers that an exception for rape would cause "God-fearing" voters to abandon the GOP.
Indiana's GOP-led state legislature is considering a ban on abortion from the moment of conception — except in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.
The ban drew opposition from both sides as the public was given a chance to speak. Abortion-rights demonstrators said the ban would lead to harm against women and violate their rights.
But others said the ban wasn't strict enough and should punish doctors more — with one pastor warning the ban's exception for rape would cost Republicans votes, according to the Indianapolis Star reported.
"If the language of this bill isn't changed, innocent children will die," Seth Leeman, the Indiana pastor, said during his testimony. "God's wrath will continue to be stored up against us, and the Republican party will lose many of its God-fearing constituents."
At least 280 people on both sides of the issue signed up to speak in front of the legislature about the ban, the Star reported. Indiana's Republican-led legislature is among the many who have floated strict bans on abortion since the Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade, saying there was no constitutional right to an abortion and that the matter must be left to the state legislatures to decide.
Although it appeared most of the people protesting at the Statehouse were advocating for abortion rights, a majority of the 40 people who were chosen to speak during the July 25 session were against abortion, according to the Star.
A doctor advocating for abortion rights highlighted the danger of the law, and its potential to harm pregnant women who have to wait until their pregnancy is life-threatening to receive an abortion.
"These laws are unclear and medicine is nuanced," Dr. Amy Caldwell said during the time for public comment. "My colleagues are fearful to do their jobs."
Another pastor, Reverend Gray Lesesne, argued the bill could harm young people in his community.
"Jesus' primary commandment was to love your neighbor as yourself," Lesesne said. "And for us, this is all about loving our neighbors to provide them equitable access to equitable health care, and letting God and God's grace and mercy sort out the rest."