The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky against the state of Indiana, challenging the state's new abortion law.
HEA 1337, signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence late last month, prohibits abortions sought due to genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. The law makes Indiana one of the most restrictive states when it comes to abortion laws, being only the second state to ban abortions because of genetic abnormalities, joining North Dakota.
Ken Falk, legal director of ACLU of Indiana, says that the decision should be made by the woman whether or not to have an abortion.
"The state of Indiana's attempt to invade a woman's privacy and to control her decision in this regard is unprecedented and unconstitutional," he said in a statement.
The law has roused a social media campaign called "Periods for Pence" in which women call the governor's office offering him information about their menstrual cycles.
According to supporters of the bill, however, the law grants protections to unborn babies.
"Gov. Pence has every confidence this law is constitutional," said Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for Governor Pence. "We will work with the Attorney General to defend the law that enhances information expectant mothers receive and enhances protection for the unborn."
The lawsuit argues that the law "imposes an undue burden on a woman's right to choose an abortion because it bars that choice under certain circumstances, even if the pregnancy is in its early stages and the fetus is not viable," seeking an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect on July 1.
