“[The Constitution] generally permits the General Assembly to prohibit abortions which are unnecessary to protect a woman’s life or health, so long as the legislation complies with the constitutional limits that apply to all legislation, such as those limiting legislation to a proper exercise of the police power and providing privileges and immunities equally,” the ruling said.
“Because the state can enforce [the legislation] within those constitutional parameters, [Planned Parenthood has] failed to show a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits of their facial challenge,” the ruling concluded. “We thus vacate the preliminary injunction and remand for proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office praised the ruling in a statement.
“The Indiana Supreme Court has just upheld the abortion laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly,” the statement read. “We celebrate this day — one long in coming, but morally justified. Thank you to all the warriors who have fought for this day that upholds LIFE.”
Planned Parenthood issued a joint statement with other pro-abortion organizations criticizing the decision and stating that they will continue to support abortion in Indiana.
“Despite this setback, we’ll keep fighting to restore reproductive rights in Indiana and to help Hoosiers get access to the services they need,” the statement read. “Today’s decision is not the end of our fight for equitable, compassionate care in Indiana, or the patients in surrounding states who rely on Indiana for access to abortion.”