Planned Parenthood Attacks HB 1217
Last week, the Indiana House of Representatives voted to advance crucial pro-life legislation. House Bill 1217 makes coercing a woman into an abortion a felony and requires that any woman seeking an abortion is informed that coerced abortion is illegal. If an employee of an abortion clinic believes a woman is being coerced, the worker would be instructed to offer the woman a telephone and alternate exit from the building.
Coerced abortion is unfortunately a frequent occurrence. Studies show that 64% of women who seek abortions feel pressure to abort, and 67% of post-abortive women said they were not offered any counseling before undergoing an abortion. Many women experience intimidation from employers, threats of violence and homelessness, or cycles of abuse from their partners, leading them to feel as though abortion is their only option.
While it’s clear that women need protection, Planned Parenthood has outspokenly opposed our bill here in Indiana. Lisa Humes-Schulz, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates released a statement on the bill. “HB 1217 has nothing to do with protecting pregnant people from coercion and everything to do with endangering patient safety and access to time-sensitive essential care…This bill would actually further endanger patient safety and access and we urge the Senate to reject it.”
If Planned Parenthood really cared about women or “choice,” as they claim, they would support this bill. The bill simply protects women from being forced to make a life-changing decision under coercion that ultimately leads to harm and grief. Planned Parenthood only cares to protect its industry.
Planned Parenthood’s opposition makes sense in light of the fact that it is responsible for 40% of abortions nationwide. Ensuring that women aren’t being forced into an abortion might mean that fewer are performed and thus, less revenue. This is the real reason Planned Parenthood opposes the bill.
No woman should ever feel the need to end the life of her child out of fear or desperation.
Please contact your local representatives and urge them to pass HB 1217. Let’s also keep women who are in troubling situations and feeling pressured to abort in our prayers. Please pray that they may be able to see beyond their circumstances and recognize the value of their child.