As noted in the most recent ISMA e-Legislative News, ISMA advocated strongly during the special legislative session for Senate Enrolled Act 1 (Abortion) to include adequate exceptions to protect Hoosier patients and the physician-patient relationship. As signed into law Aug. 5, the measure includes exceptions for the life of the mother, health of the mother, lethal fetal anomaly, rape and incest. These and other provisions in the new law will take effect Sept. 15. The end result, although not perfect in ISMA’s estimation, is much improved over the total ban that was initially contemplated.

Despite strong advocacy from ISMA, other physician groups, and the Indiana Hospital Association, performing an abortion that is determined to be unlawful remains a felony in Indiana. And, the new law requires the Medical Licensing Board to automatically revoke the license of a physician who is determined to have performed an unlawful abortion. Because abortions that do not fall under one of the delineated exceptions have been banned entirely, and the new exceptions are more narrow than current law, the range of conduct that constitutes an unlawful abortion is expanding.

A team effort
Thank you to every ISMA member who contributed to ISMA’s advocacy efforts during the special session. More than 1,500 members responded to our survey to share their opinion on abortion legislation. The vast majority of respondents thought it was important that the legislation include exceptions to a total ban and that physicians and patients not be criminalized. This valuable feedback was used in our advocacy.  Additionally, six “calls to action” were sent out over Voter Voice, resulting in 1,819 messages being sent to state legislators by 611 members. 

Special thanks to ISMA Immediate Past President Roberto Darroca, MD, and Young Physician Society Trustee Andreia Alexander, MD, who testified on behalf of ISMA in committee meetings. Several other members testified as representatives of medical specialty societies.

Next steps 
The ISMA is working on educational opportunities to help members understand and comply with the new abortion law. Watch your email and future of ISMA Reports for details.