INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Democrats are calling for people to call out their representatives after the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade.
On Friday, the Supreme Court decided to overturn the landmark 1973 precedent. The decision handed states the authority to drastically limit or ban the procedure.
In Indianapolis, several members of the Democratic Party came together at the Indiana Democratic Party Headquarters to address the decision. This includes:
- Myla Eldridge, Vice-Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party and the Marion County Clerk
- Ali Brown, Indianapolis City-County Councillor for District 5
- Linda Lawson, former Indiana House Minority Leader
During the news conference, the speakers expressed their sorrow and anger at the decision. Eldridge said the decision puts women, especially black and brown women, at risk.
“In Indiana, the days are now numbered to get a safe and legal abortion,” said Eldridge.
While Indiana was not one of the states with a “trigger law” banning abortions, there is a call to use the July 6 special session to pass a state-wide ban on abortion. In a letter to the Governor, Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) urged Indiana’s legislators to end abortion.
“Republican politicians and politicians are infringing on a woman’s privacy rights, and the partizanship is simply un-American,” said Brown. “It must be said, abortions don’t stop just because they are illegal. Banning abortions will no doubt lead to dangerous procedures or for women who cannot afford to travel for safe abortions in another state.”
Brown and Eldridge reminded voters that they can have their voices heard in the November election. Eldridge said they can hold lawmakers responsible and remind them that their decisions could impact how people decide at the polls.
“Women vote, and we’re going to vote you out. We’re going to take back our state house,” said Brown.
Additionally, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced how Marion County will respond to the court’s opinion. During the news conference, Mears said he will not prosecute abortion cases if it is banned in Indiana. He said a challenge the bans would face is the prosecutor’s right of discretion.
Mears said it is important to stand up for what they believe in. He hopes there is a healthy conversation about the issues.
“I think it’s important for us not to be reactive. We need to be proactive when we have these conversations,” said Mears. “They’re not going to agree with everything we do here in Marion County. We don’t agree with everything they do at the statehouse. But it’s important for us to stand up for the people that we are here to serve.”
