(7-2-22) Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an Indianapolis obstetrician-gynecologist, told the Indianapolis Star that just three days after the federal right to an abortion was reversed by the US Spreme Court that she received a call from a child abuse doctor in Ohio, who needed her help. The physician had a 10 year old pregnant patient, who could no longer legally undergo the procedure in her home state. 

In Indiana abortion is still legal up to 22 weeks after a pregnant person’s last menstrual cycle. Indiana politicians have scheduled a special legislative session later this month to address abortion laws. Republican lawmakers, who hold a supermajority in the state, indicate they intend to further restrict the procedure.

Bernard, who agreed to help the 10-year-old patient, told the Indianapolis Star.

“It’s hard to imagine that in just a few short weeks we will have no ability to provide that care.”

Other nearby states, including Illinois a Democrat led state that has said keeping abortions in the state is a priority, where abortion is likely to remain legal, are facing for an influx of patients from nearby states where the procedure is more heavily restricted, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri. 

Planned Parenthood Illinois expects the state will see an additional 20,000 to 30,000 patients overall to receive abortions each year. That would be as many as three times more then the population of Ohio cities like Celina, St. Marys and Wapakoneta.

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