News

INDIANAPOLIS, April 28, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A bill set to make Indiana the first state to cut Planned Parenthood taxpayer funding awaits a final decision from Governor Mitch Daniels after clearing the final hurdle in the state legislature yesterday.

The Indiana House passed the bill and sent it to Daniels, a possible contender for the 2012 GOP presidential ticket, in a 66-32 vote on Wednesday.

The legislation bars the state from entering into contracts with abortion providers aside from hospitals, and includes a ban on abortion past 20 weeks gestation, but with an exception for the health of the mother. The Indiana Senate passed the bill on April 20.

Political analysts note that Daniels’ reaction to the bill could have significant repercussions for his possible future as the Republican presidential candidate: the Indiana politician has fallen out of favor with social conservatives for famously calling for a “truce” on social issues in order to focus on budget and spending concerns.

The governor has not said whether he plans to approve the bill. He has one week to veto the legislation before it automatically becomes law. Local pro-life leaders, however, are optimistic.

“He’s always kept fiscal matters a top priority but proven consistently that he can and will deal with social issues like abortion at the same time,” Mike Fitcher, president of the Indiana Right to Life, told Politico.

Daniels has not confirmed that he will run against President Obama in 2012, but said he would announce his decision after the Indiana legislative session ends this Friday.

Indiana is one of several states recently to target Planned Parenthood funding after efforts on the federal level failed earlier this month. Legislation is moving forward in North Carolina, Minnesota, Kansas, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/efforts-to-defund-planned-parenthood-move-to-state-level