As Indiana's abortion ban nears, Planned Parenthood appointments are booked across the state
All Planned Parenthood clinics in Indiana are out of appointments for abortion services for the next three weeks, right until the state's near total abortion ban takes effect.
This news comes just after the Indiana Supreme Court announced on June 30 that it would vacate an injunction on the state's near total abortion ban, allowing it to take effect as soon the decision is certified. That's likely on or near Aug. 1.
More: Indiana abortion ban begins as soon as Aug. 1. What you need to know.
Regional Planned Parenthood Chief Medical Officer Deborah Nucatola stressed that Indiana locations are still open and able to provide other reproductive health care services, including pregnancy consultations, STD testing and cancer screenings. Abortion services, however, have met their maximum scheduling capacity. Patients who do not already have an abortion appointment scheduled will not be able to book one.
Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in Indiana. In a news release, the nonprofit said Indiana has become a critical resource for abortion care in the region after nearby states like Kentucky and Tennessee issued their own abortion bans earlier this year. In total, 1,827 out-of-state patients visited Indiana for abortions last year. According to its news release, Planned Parenthood clinics administered double the amount of medication abortions to non-Indiana residents this year, and 160% more surgical abortions to out-of-state patients.
More: Inside all of IndyStar's coverage of abortion in Indiana since Roe v Wade decision
Out-of-state patients: Indiana's Terminated Pregnancy Report shows how changes in access affected abortion numbers
After the abortion ban goes into effect, Indiana Planned Parenthoods will not be able to administer abortions to any patients, even patients that meet the exemptions outlined in the law. Only hospitals or ambulatory outpatient surgical centers owned by hospitals can provide abortions after the Senate Bill 1 ban takes effect.
While the nonprofit will not be able to schedule more abortions in Indiana, Planned Parenthood said in a news release that it would help Hoosier patients seeking abortion to book appointments in states where the procedure is legal. Nucatola also said Indiana patients can still receive pre-abortion care and post-abortion care at Planned Parenthood. Clinics will also still offer pregnancy education consultations, where pregnant people can have an ultrasound, learn how far along they are and discuss their options with providers.
"Planned Parenthood will keep fighting to restore reproductive rights in Indiana and to help Hoosiers get access to the services they need," according to the news release. "To anyone looking for abortion care, Planned Parenthood's staff is ready to help them find an appointment and provide the information and resources needed to access care."
The state legislature passed the near total ban last August.
For instances of rape or incest, abortion will be allowed up to ten weeks. Fetal anomaly abortions are permitted up to 20 weeks. Abortions had been available up until 22 weeks prior to the ban.
A court case challenging the law under the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act is still in the courts.
Contact IndyStar reporter Tory Basile at 317-935-8742 or vbasile@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: As Indiana abortion ban nears, Planned Parenthood out of appointments
