Senate panel takes up bill with fetal remains provision

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Opponents of a bill containing several abortion-related measures – including one that would require the remains of miscarried or aborted fetuses to either be cremated or interred – have urged an Indiana Senate committee to vote against the measure.

Several people who testified Wednesday before the Senate Health & Provider Services Committee said the legislation’s multiple provisions would create new barriers to Indiana women seeking abortions.

But Republican Sen. Michael Young and other supporters of the bill say it contains nothing that would limit women’s access to abortions. Young also said the fetal interment provision is intended to ensure remains are handled in a humane and dignified manner.

Committee chairwoman Sen. Pat Miller says the panel likely will vote next week on the bill.