INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana is on the verge of imposing some of the tightest abortion restrictions in the country.
The Indiana Senate voted 35-13 Tuesday for House Bill 1210, which prohibits most abortions after 20 weeks, requires a woman be told an aborted fetus feels pain and compels a woman -- unless she refuses in writing -- to view a fetal ultrasound before an abortion.
The legislation also strips state-administered federal family planning funds that are not used for abortion from Planned Parenthood and health clinics that also provide abortion services.
During debate, state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, disputed a "finding" contained in the legislation that says fetuses feel pain. Randolph said medical experts don't agree that's true, and it would be wrong to force doctors to provide patients with incorrect information.
State Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, said she expects the legislation will lead to more unwanted pregnancies by taking away birth control funding for low-income Hoosiers.
Despite this, the Republican majority overwhelmingly voted for the proposal.
The measure next goes to a House-Senate conference committee for lawmakers to work out differences in the separately passed versions of the legislation.