Indiana Judge Upholds Narrow Medical Exception in Abortion Ban

An Indiana judge ruled against broadening the medical exception in the state's near-total abortion ban. Judge Kelsey Hanlon acknowledged the challenging position of providers but concluded that the existing exception did not violate constitutional rights. Planned Parenthood and other plaintiffs argued for a broader interpretation to safeguard women's health.

In a significant ruling on Wednesday, Indiana Judge Kelsey Hanlon declined to expand the medical exception to the state's stringent abortion ban. This decision marks a setback for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers who had sought a broader interpretation to safeguard women's health.

Judge Hanlon, presiding over Monroe County Circuit Court, recognized the difficult position doctors face due to the politically charged environment and potential legal repercussions. Despite this, she ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove that the restrictive exception breaches constitutional rights.

Planned Parenthood contended that the exception ought to include serious health conditions that endanger the fetus, cause severe symptoms, or risk becoming life-threatening. Hanlon's decision, however, maintains the current definition, which covers substantial and irreversible physical impairments.

(With inputs from agencies.)