2022 Legislation
Updated: Jan 26, 2022
Right to Life Michiana works to protect life from conception to natural death. In support of this mission, we encourage all pro-lifers to learn about the current pro-life legislation, call their state representatives to discuss the bills, propose amendments, and hold them accountable for defending the unborn. Legislator contacts are here.
Authored by Sen. Erin Houchin
Bill actions:
01/12/2022 First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
Provides that the general assembly shall convene in an "initiated session" to consider legislation to restrict abortion if either of the following occurs: (1) the Supreme Court of the United States overrules the central holding of Roe v. Wade, Doe v. Bolton, or Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey and clearly establishes that a state may prohibit abortion; (2) the Supreme Court of the United States affirms the 15 week abortion ban in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization; or (3) an amendment to the Constitution of the United States is adopted that in whole or part clearly establishes that a state may prohibit abortion. Provides that an initiated session may not continue for more than 20 calendar days. Requires the attorney general to make an announcement and notify the governor and members of the general assembly concerning the decision from the Supreme Court of the United States involving Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Roe v. Wade, or the amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Authored by Rep. Joanna King
Bill actions:
01/25/2022 Senate sponsor: Senator Brown L.
01/25/2022 Third reading: passed; Roll Call 101: yeas 73, nays 18.
Requires that a pregnant woman seeking an abortion must be informed that a coerced abortion is illegal.
Provides that certain medical personnel must inquire with a pregnant woman seeking an abortion whether the abortion is coerced.
Requires certain medical personnel who believe that an abortion is coerced to offer the pregnant woman information on certain services, the use of a telephone, and an alternative exit from the health care facility.
Makes it a Level 6 felony if a person knowingly or intentionally coerces a pregnant woman into having an abortion.
Mandates reports of a coerced abortion to law enforcement.
Makes it a Class C infraction if a reproductive health facility knowingly employs a mandatory reporter who violates the mandatory reporting statute.
SB399 Parental consent for abortion
Authored by Sen. Stacey Donato
Bill actions:
01/12/2022 First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary.
Requires the state department of health (state department) to create a consent form (form) for a physician to use before performing an abortion on an unemancipated pregnant minor (minor). Sets forth what the state department must include in the form. Requires a clear and convincing standard to be used if a juvenile court makes certain findings regarding a minor obtaining an abortion. Provides that a juvenile court may require a minor to participate in an evaluation and counseling session with a mental health professional before a juvenile court rules on a minor's petition. Provides criteria for a juvenile court to consider in determining if a minor is mature enough to make a decision regarding an abortion if the minor objects to having the written consent of her parent, legal guardian, or custodian, or if the parent, legal guardian, or custodian refuses to consent to an abortion. Makes technical corrections.
Authored by Rep. Matt Pierce
Bill actions:
01/04/2022 First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health.
Allows individuals with a terminal illness who meet certain requirements to make a request to an attending provider for medication that the individual may take to bring about death.
Specifies requirements a provider must meet in order to prescribe the medication to a patient.
Prohibits an insurer from denying payment of benefits under a life insurance policy based upon a suicide clause in the life insurance policy if the death of the insured individual is the result of medical aid in dying.
Establishes a Level 1 felony if a person: (1) without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication with the intent or effect of causing the individual's death; or (2) knowingly or intentionally coerces or exerts undue influence on an individual to request medication to bring about death or to destroy a rescission of a request for medication to bring about death.
Establishes a Class A misdemeanor if a person, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication in order to affect a health care decision by the individual.
Establishes certain criminal and civil immunity for health care providers.
SB189 Pharmacist contraceptive prescriptions
Authored by Sen. Susan Glick
Bill actions:
01/06/2022 First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services
Allows pharmacists who meet certain requirements to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives (contraceptives). Establishes requirements for pharmacists who prescribe and dispense contraceptives. Requires the Indiana board of pharmacy (board) to adopt rules. Requires health plans to provide coverage for contraceptives and certain services. Establishes an exception for nonprofit religious employers. Requires the board to issue an annual report to the legislative council.
Authored by Rep. Curt Nisly
Co-Authored by Rep. John Jacob, Rep. Zach Payne
Bill actions:
01/10/2022 First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
Repeals the statutes authorizing and regulating abortion. Finds that human physical life begins when a human ovum is fertilized by a human sperm. Asserts a compelling state interest in protecting human physical life from the moment that human physical life begins. Provides that court decisions to enjoin the law are void. Specifies the duty of Indiana officials to enforce the law. Specifies that federal officials attempting to enforce contrary court orders against Indiana officials enforcing the law shall be subject to arrest by Indiana law enforcement. Redefines "human being" for purposes of the criminal code to conform to the finding that human physical life begins when a human ovum is fertilized by a human sperm. Makes other conforming changes.
This bill is controversial within the pro-life community. Learn more information about this bill here.
H.R.1065 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Sponsored by Rep. Nadler, Jerrold
Bill actions:
05/17/2021 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
This bill prohibits employment practices that discriminate against making reasonable accommodations for qualified employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Specifically, the bill declares that it is an unlawful employment practice to
fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations of such employees unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on an entity's business operation;
require a qualified employee affected by such condition to accept an accommodation other than any reasonable accommodation arrived at through an interactive process;
deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations to a qualified employee;
require such employees to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided; or
take adverse action in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment against a qualified employee requesting or using such reasonable accommodations.
The bill sets forth enforcement procedures and remedies that cover different types of employees in relation to such unlawful employment practices. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must provide examples of reasonable accommodations that shall be provided to affected employees unless the employer can demonstrate that doing so would impose an undue hardship.