Abortion Debate Hits Statehouse

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(STATEHOUSE) - The abortion debate is back at the Statehouse, this time centering on the qualifications of doctors who perform the procedure.

The Senate has already voted 44-6 to require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at an area hospital. Abortion opponents say at least three women have needed emergency treatment after a doctor in Fort Wayne left some of the fetus behind. At least one patient required a hysterectomy because of a life-threatening infection.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana says the proposed rule would disqualify six of the seven doctors who perform abortions in Indiana. President Betty Cockrum says issues of medical competence are a matter for Indiana's medical licensing board.

Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Lakeville) questioned why Cockrum wouldn't "move mountains" to ensure the safety of abortion. And rep. Matt Bell (R-Avilla) noted the same committee has approved a bill increasing criminal penalties when an attack on a pregnant woman results in the death of the fetus, a bill prompted by last year's shooting of an Indianapolis bank teller who was pregnant with twins.

The committee could vote on the bill next week.

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