Rape Exception Divides Indiana Republicans in Abortion Debate

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray opens the second day of hearings on a Republican proposal to ban nearly all abortions in the state at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, on July 26.

Photographer: Michael Conroy/AP Photo
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Republican lawmakers in Indiana—the state where a 10-year-old victim recently traveled to end a pregnancy—are struggling to advance an abortion ban because they can’t agree whether to allow exceptions for rape.

With roughly two weeks left in a special session, state Senate leaders postponed a planned Friday vote because factions of the GOP, which has supermajority control, are refusing to compromise on whether to allow some abortions under limited circumstances.