Hostettler Calls For A Constitutional Amendment To Protect The Sanctity Of Life In Indiana
STATEHOUSE (July 18, 2022) – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) is calling for lawmakers to start the process of amending the state’s constitution to end abortion-on-demand in Indiana during the upcoming special session, which begins on July 25.
“When we return to the Statehouse, I’m ready to take action to further protect life in our state,” Hostettler said. “Unfortunately, any legislation we pass could be undone by future legislative majorities that might not share our pro-life values. It’s imperative we settle this issue once and for all, and protect life for generations to come.”
During the 2022 legislative session, Hostettler introduced House Joint Resolution 7, which would have started the process to amend the Indiana Constitution to give a pre-born child the same rights as an Indiana citizen once the child’s mother is aware she is pregnant. While the legislation wasn’t given a hearing, Hostettler said he plans to reintroduce his resolution during the special session toward the end of July.
Amendments to the state constitution must be agreed to by two consecutive general assemblies and then subsequently ratified by a majority of the state’s voters voting during a general election.
Hostettler said the upcoming special session and the regular session beginning in January, provide the “perfect storm” for a constitutional amendment to be quickly approved by Hoosiers. If scheduled by House and Senate leadership in this special session and then again in the next session of the General Assembly, the proposed amendment could go into effect as early as 2024.
Legislators will reconvene on July 25 and are expected to take actions to further protect the pre-born while increasing support for new and expectant mothers and providing $1 billion in relief to Hoosier taxpayers due to higher-than-expected revenue collections.
Hostettler said Indiana ranks at the top of the 2021 Defending Life report card from Americans United for Life, and it’s vital to continue protecting the pre-born.
The General Assembly is expected to vet any legislation regarding abortion through the full legislative process, including hosting committee hearings and public testimony. Updates will be posted to the Indiana General Assembly’s website at iga.in.gov.
FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64, which includes Gibson County and portions of Knox, Pike, Vanderburgh, and Posey county
