What to Expect on July 25
By: Sam Barrett
What’s happening on July 25th?
On July 25th, legislators will gather for a special session. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “There are two main types of legislative sessions—regular and special (sometimes known as extraordinary). A regular session is the annual or biennial gathering of legislators, the starting date (and often, the length) of which is set by constitution or statute. Unlike regular sessions, there is no specific timing for special (or extraordinary) sessions. They occur intermittently to deal with the specific issues or topics. Usually, the scope of a special session—that is, the topics that may be taken up—is limited to the issues specified in the notice calling for the special session.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb originally called this special session to start on July 6th, and according to the Indy Star, “Gov. Eric Holcomb had originally called lawmakers back for a special session starting on July 6 to send a collective $1 billion back to Hoosiers in order to combat inflation. If approved by lawmakers, each Hoosier would receive $225.” However, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, lawmakers decided to push the special session back to July 25th and will address abortion during this special session.
According to WTHR, “Holcomb has said he's pro-life and called the special session ‘an opportunity to make progress in protecting the sanctity of life.’ ”
According to an article by The Hill, “Indiana has some of the most restrictive abortion policies in the country.” Even with Roe in place, it was a struggle for women and girls to receive an abortion in Indiana. Researchers at Indiana University and Ibis Reproductive Health performed a Hoosier Abortion Access Study, which revealed the challenging process. Tracey Wilkinson, assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-investigator of the study, spoke to local media about their findings, “What we heard and what we saw in the study are the incredible barriers that had to be overcome to access abortion. People were saying the cost was making them have to choose between feeding their family, paying bills, or rent.” The process of getting an abortion will be even more challenging if strict bans are put in place. According to another article by The Hill, “In states like Illinois, where abortion access is enshrined in state law, abortion providers are doubling down on staffing, expanding their clinics and mentally preparing for thousands of new patients coming in from out of state.”
Although abortion legislation is all we can think about, this special session will still address other bills. According to Niki Kelly, the Editor-in-Chief for the Indiana Capitol Chronicle, legislatures are expected to address three bills; a tax refund bill, a bill regarding wraparound services and education for women and children, and, of course, an abortion bill. “House and Senate will act concurrently on the bills in their chamber then swap them,” said Kelly.
What to Expect on July 25th and Continued Support:
We are co-hosting a rally with ACLU Indiana and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates at 11:30 am inside the Statehouse on July 25th. If you plan to attend our rally, please be aware that there is an anti-abortion rally scheduled for the same time, date, and location. There are also other anti-abortion rallies planned for the days that follow July 25th, so be aware of this if attending any rallies on July 25th or the days to follow. We also want everyone to remember things like the weather and the number of people gathering in one place; expect heat along with long lines and big crowds; please bring water and dress comfortably or appropriately for the weather. We also hope to see your continuous support after July 25th, as this special session could continue for weeks after. Here are some ways you can continue to stand with women;
Continue to show up to rallies.
Continue to write your legislators leading up to the 25th and after.
Sign up to be an Action Advocate on our website to keep in touch with what’s happening.
Make sure that you, your friends, and your family are registered to vote.
Attend Women4Change’s letter writing and phone banking event on August 3rd at the Tinker House.
If you are involved with a non-profit organization, please sign this form showing your support for comprehensive healthcare for Hoosiers.