Jim Banks, 1.23.2023: Republican US Senate candidate backs abortion travel ban for Hoosier women. “That’s exactly right. I’m for federal legislation, I’m for stronger laws at the state level, whatever we can do, to save lives, to protect babies. That’s what this fight is all about.”
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today called out Jim Banks after endorsing a travel ban for Hoosier women who are seeking reproductive healthcare outside of Indiana. In an interview with a conservative Fort Wayne radio host, Banks agreed with a travel ban for Hoosier women and went on to say, “there’s much more that we must do, that we need to do, that I’m going to fight for in the House, and when I get to the Senate, I’m going to fight for there in a bigger way as well.”
This is not the first time that Jim Banks has expressed his extreme views on reproductive rights and healthcare. Banks called the reversal of Roe v. Wade a “joyful day” and immediately started eyeing a possible federal abortion ban. Jim Banks and the INGOP – who made Indiana the first state in the nation to pass a near-total abortion ban in special session – simply do not respect the personal choices or lives of Hoosier women.
“Jim Banks is 100% anti-choice with no exceptions. During his time in Congress, Banks has endorsed a federal abortion ban and called the reversal of Roe v. Wade a ‘joyful day.’ Jim Banks’ support for an abortion travel ban on Hoosier women is as extreme as it gets. Research has shown that a majority of Hoosiers support the freedom to choose. Only a woman, her doctor, her family, or her faith should make personal health care decisions – not Jim Banks,” said Mike Schmuhl, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party.
A large majority of Hoosiers are opposed to the Indiana Republican Party’s efforts to make abortions against the law. Voters expressed their views directly with Republicans ahead of their summer special session, but Jim Banks and the Indiana GOP ignored Hoosiers and took away a woman’s right to choose anyway.
Jim Banks would be better suited as a Fox News host – not a U.S. Senator.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Jim Bank’s 100% Anti-Choice Record
100% Pro-Life
Jim Banks, 3.4.2019: Rep. Banks is 100% pro-life.
On Indiana’s Abortion Ban
Jim Banks, 3.3.2023: Rep. Banks urges Indiana Statehouse to pass strongest possible pro-life legislation: “Indiana is one of the most pro-life states in the country, which is why the state legislature should pass legislation that could effectively outlaw abortion following the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson decision in June.”
On a Federal Abortion Ban
Jim Banks, 6.24.2023: “‘When we get the majority back after the midterms, I expect there to be a larger discussion about where Republicans are unified, and those conversations are still ongoing.’ Banks said there are ‘lots of legislative vehicles that are getting broad Republican support,” from a 15-week ban to a heartbeat bill to a total ban.’”
Ban Opposed by Majority of Hoosiers
Indiana Capital Chronicle, 07.19.22: “What is clear, according to the insiders, is that Hoosiers don’t want a near-virtual ban on abortion. Instead, they support exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. And many are supportive of allowing abortion up to 15 weeks of gestation.”
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