Indiana's House has passed a bill that would ban abortions for reasons based on the foetus' race, sex or genetic abnormality.
Under House Bill 1337, the state would ban abortions "solely because of the fetus's race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the fetus having Down Syndrome or any other disability."
The state House passed the measure with a 60-40 vote and. It will be sent to Indiana's Republican Gov. Mike Pence, who is a known pro-life supporter.
However, some Republican lawmakers voted against the bill saying it wasn't vetted.
"I feel this is government overreaching. We haven't done a proper process to vet this. I feel that I'm determining whose life has more importance here," said Republican state Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer, according to Indy Star.
Republican state Rep. Wendy McNamara stated that "it saddens me and makes me sick to my stomach to be up here right now. It's bills like these that make people like me really hate the system," the Associated Press reported.
Another Republican, Rep. Sean Eberhart, said, "Today is a perfect example a bunch of middle-aged guys sitting in this room making decisions about what we think is best for women," Eberhart said. "We need to quit pretending we know what's best for women and their health care needs."
House Speaker Brian Bosma dismissed the criticisms.
"If this can save a life, it was worth a vote. I am strongly pro-life and understand the concerns of those both on the process and also the details of the Senate version. We're not making a determination about women's health. We're trying to protect the rights of the unborn, who cannot speak for themselves," he said, the Indy Star added.
Author Rep. Casey Cox said the bill "is a human rights cause."
The bill also provides that a healthcare facility which possesses the remains of a miscarried foetus must dispose it through cremation or burial.
Cathie Humbarger of Indiana Right to Life (IRTL) told the legislature during a hearing that "accounts of the bodies of aborted babies being found in dumpsters, left on loading docks, and being ground up in garbage disposals in abortion facilities are being reported across the nation."
Those who oppose the bill said it will be challenged in court if signed by Governor Pence.
