Indiana Senate Approves Anti-Abortion Bill

The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would cut off funding to Planned Parenthood and give Indiana some of the country's tightest abortion restrictions, and the debate over the legislation mirrors the recent dispute over the federal budget.The bill in Indiana cleared the Senate 35-13 and now goes to GOP-led house. It blocks state funds for organizations that provide abortions and cuts off some federal money the state distributes. The measure also bans abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy unless there's a substantial threat to the woman's life or health.Opponents have called the bill unconscionable. They say it would make Planned Parenthood's other services—such as health screenings and birth control distribution—unavailable for low-income women. The same arguments were made earlier this month in the U.S. Congress, when funding for Planned Parenthood was among the issues that nearly sidelined a compromise on the federal budget.Planned Parenthood of Indiana contends that the bill is unconstitutional and plans to take the issue to court.Additional information from the Associated Press