Most Indiana Hospitals No Longer Providing Abortion Even Under Legal Exemptions
For Immediate Release: Sept. 25, 2023 (Updated: Sept. 25, 2023, 3:46 p.m.)
Planned Parenthood Indiana calls for improved transparency
Indianapolis, IN — Recent reports by local media have highlighted that despite legal exemptions that allow abortion in cases of rape or incest, many hospitals in Indiana are refusing to provide abortion even in those legally-permitted cases. According to the Indiana Capitol Chronicle, “Indiana’s largest hospital systems are opaque on their policies for post-rape abortions — or flatly deny the prospect as “elective” — drawing into question the effectiveness of the rape exemption written into the state’s newly effective abortion ban.”
The Capitol Chronicle found that only one of the state’s eight largest hospital systems said they would provide abortion in cases of rape or incest at their hospitals. Among the others, three religiously-affiliated hospitals said they would absolutely not provide abortion, even in those legally-permitted instances. The others did not respond or declined to comment. Because of the hospital requirement in Indiana’s abortion ban, Planned Parenthood facilities and other health care providers are prohibited from providing abortion under any circumstances. This leaves victims of rape or incest only able to access care at Indiana University hospitals. At a time when regional access to abortion has plummeted, and maternal mortality rates continue to climb in response to the Roe reversal, this restricted access to care is beyond unacceptable.
Statement from, Rebecca Gibron, CEO for Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky:
“Indiana’s ban allows for legal abortion care for those in the most unimaginable of circumstances – victims of rape or incest. It is unconscionable that Indiana’s hospitals would refuse to provide critical care to our most vulnerable neighbors. Instead of being given their full range of care options, victims of rape and incest in Indiana are likely to unknowingly end up at a hospital that will put ideology over medicine.
“This lack of transparency underscores the continued importance of Planned Parenthood health centers in Indiana. Hoosiers across the state know that they can always turn to Planned Parenthood for accurate information – unbiased by ideology or fear of political consequences. Planned Parenthood will always serve you, our patients, first.”
Planned Parenthood’s doors remain open for all other reproductive health care options including pregnancy evaluation and consultation services, wellness exams, STI screening and care, emergency contraception, birth control etc. and to help navigate patients who may need abortion services out of state. To get in touch with a patient navigator or to learn more about options, people should call 1-800-230-7526 or visit any of our Planned Parenthood health centers.