A Guide to Abortion Laws in Indiana

The news around Indiana’s abortion laws, and abortion laws across the United States, is evolving daily. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, abortion laws have been changing rapidly. The abortion laws in Indiana have changed dramatically. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in Indiana, you may be thinking about terminating your pregnancy. After reading the headlines and hearing about the recent changes, however, you may be wondering if abortion is even an option.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is never easy. While you may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed right now, know there are resources to help. We are here for you.

Read on, as we explain the new abortion laws in Indiana and the choices you have as an expectant parent in 2023. We will detail the recent changes that the Hoosier State has witnessed, your options, and the resources available to you. Read on to learn more.

The Current Abortion Laws in Indiana

Indiana has enacted a total ban on abortion, which took effect on August 1, 2023. This new law prohibits abortions at any stage of pregnancy, with very few exceptions to the rule. The exceptions include:

• If the mother’s life or health is at serious risk
• If, before 22 weeks (about 5 months) of gestation, a “lethal anomaly” is detected
• If, before 12 weeks (about 3 months) of gestation, the pregnancy is reported as a case of rape or incest

The State of Indiana was embroiled in a contentious battle for over a year after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. Once the constitutional right was overturned, Indiana lawmakers passed an abortion ban that went into effect for one week in September of 2022. In June of 2023, the Indiana State Supreme Court overturned a county judge’s ruling that the proposed abortion ban violated the state constitution’s privacy protections.

As of this writing, abortion is illegal in Indiana unless the factors listed above are at play.

Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Indiana

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Indiana, you will want to know all your choices before considering the next step. Despite the change in abortion laws in Indiana, you can choose between the following options:

• Abortion (if you travel to another state)
• Parenthood
• Adoption

Abortion

While abortion may not be an option in your home state, there is hope for those who wish to get one. You will need to travel to another state for a safe and legal abortion. This is a legal route to take, should you wish to have an abortion. For many expectant mothers, however, this is a challenge. It can be expensive and time-consuming to travel to a different state. There are organizations that can help.

If you wish to have an abortion, but cannot afford to cross state lines, the following organizations may be able to assist you:

• The Brigid Alliance
• National Abortion Federation
• Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP)

Abortion may or may not be the right option for you. It is important to speak with a medical professional before making any decision regarding your pregnancy. It is also important to consider all your options before deciding what to do.

Parenthood

Many expectant mothers consider parenthood when facing pregnancy – even when it is unplanned. Parenthood can be a wonderful journey, but it is also a big commitment. Before making your decision, consider how parenthood will change your life. How will you support your growing family? Who will you lean on for assistance? Can you offer your child a safe and stable home? These are just a few of the key factors to consider when deciding whether to raise a child.

Adoption

Adoption can be a  loving and positive choice for those who are not yet ready to parent, but do not wish to get an abortion. This is not the right path for everyone, but it is one that comes from a place of love and devotion. Choosing adoption for your child means placing their needs above your wants. It is choosing to give your child a life that you may not be able to provide now.

There are many benefits in choosing adoption. Choosing adoption means giving your child a life full of love and opportunity, while having the freedom to pursue your own personal and professional dreams. With open adoption – the most common form of adoption today – adoption no longer means “goodbye forever.” You can choose to have an open adoption, if you wish, and maintain an ongoing relationship with your child’s adoptive family for years to come. This way, your child knows they are loved by two families instead of one.

If you are considering adoption in Indiana, you can rest assured that there are resources available to help you. At Adoptions With Love, birth mothers who choose adoption have access to the following services, free of charge:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical care. We can cover any uninsured medical bills that relate to the pregnancy and birth.
• Legal assistance. Our trained adoption attorneys are experienced in adoption in Indiana and ensure that your adoption goes through safely and legally. They will also take the time to answer your questions and make sure your rights as understood every step of the way.
• Compassionate counseling, before and after the adoption is finalized.
• Ongoing support. We can work with you as you navigate your open or semi-open adoption for the many years following the adoption. If you choose a closed adoption, we keep photos and letters on file, should you decide to open the adoption later.

Learn More About Adoption

The right Indiana adoption agency can walk you through the adoption process every step of the way. You should not face this unplanned pregnancy alone. There are resources to turn to for support. An adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can offer you an adoption team with lawyers that are experienced in adoption laws in Indiana and can keep you informed of your rights.

If you would like to learn more about adoption in Indiana, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can listen to you and answer any questions you may have, free of obligation or commitment. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.