Indiana House votes to keep exceptions from abortion

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - After an emotional debate over a proposed ban on abortion, the Indiana House voted Thursday to exempt those who have been raped.

By an overwhelming 61-39 vote, lawmakers rejected an amendment that critics complain would force victims to bear their rapist’s child.

As deliberations continued, the business-oriented Indy chamber issued a written statement urging the general assembly to reject Senate Bill 1, a measure that would ban most abortions in Indiana.

Opponents of the exemption for rape or incest argued that an unborn child should not suffer for a crime committed by its father.  

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Several lawmakers quoted Christian scripture in support of their argument that life begins at the moment of conception. 

The House also debated an exception allowing abortion in the case of a lethal fetal abnormality.  

A motion to remove that exemption failed by a vote of 65-35.