A newly proposed bill in Indiana could dramatically reshape the state’s abortion laws by classifying the procedure as murder.
House Bill 1334, introduced by Republican lawmakers, seeks to redefine “human being” in the state’s criminal code to include an unborn child, potentially allowing prosecutors to pursue homicide charges against those who obtain or perform abortions.
Proposed Legal Changes
If passed, HB 1334 would:
- Redefine “human being” to include any fertilized egg.
- Remove existing legal exemptions that prevent abortion from being classified as murder or manslaughter.
- Repeal the state’s feticide law, which currently distinguishes the killing of a fetus from other forms of homicide.
- Expand criminal battery protections to cover “unborn children.”
The bill’s text states that “innocent human life, created in the image of God, should be equally protected under the laws from fertilization to natural death.” It argues for repealing any statutes that allow for “prenatal homicide and battery.”
Potential Consequences
Under current Indiana law, the termination of a pregnancy is considered either abortion or feticide, depending on the circumstances. However, HB 1334’s revisions could expose individuals to murder charges for seeking or performing abortions.
A particularly controversial aspect of the bill is whether it could lead to capital punishment for those convicted of abortion-related offenses. Indiana law already classifies the murder of a child under the age of 12 as a capital offense, punishable by the death penalty. Legal experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns that prosecutors could seek similar penalties under HB 1334.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has not publicly commented on whether he would support such prosecutions.
National Implications
Indiana is not alone in proposing legislation that could criminalize abortion as homicide. Similar efforts are underway in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, with critics warning that such laws could also impact in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy-related medical care.
Legislative Sponsors
The bill is co-authored by three Republican lawmakers:
- Rep. Lorissa Sweet
- Rep. Lindsay Patterson
- Rep. Zach Payne
While HB 1334 has drawn support from anti-abortion advocates, it has also sparked fierce opposition from reproductive rights organizations, medical professionals, and legal scholars, who argue that the bill could have far-reaching legal and medical consequences for pregnant individuals in Indiana.
What’s Next?
HB 1334 will now move through the Indiana General Assembly, where it is expected to face intense debate. If the bill advances, it could become one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the United States.
