October 10, 2024

McCormick expands plans to advance reproductive rights as governor

Listen at IPB News

Article origination IPB News
Reproductive rights have been a centerpiece of Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s gubernatorial campaign since she launched it on May 4, 2023. - Brandon Smith / IPB News

Reproductive rights have been a centerpiece of Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s gubernatorial campaign since she launched it on May 4, 2023.

Brandon Smith / IPB News

Reproductive rights have been a centerpiece of Democrat Jennifer McCormick’s gubernatorial campaign from the beginning.

Proposals McCormick unveiled Thursday flesh out how she would confront Indiana's near-total abortion ban in the governor’s office.

McCormick has long said she’d use the platform of the governor’s office to advocate for changes to the state’s abortion ban.
 


 

But short of that, she said she would appoint people to state boards and commissions that are, in her words, “more supportive of women and health care providers.”

“I mean, not following a law is not an option,” McCormick said. “But there is a lot of space on educating people, making sure that they have resources where they need to go, making sure we’re having a targeted effort to keep clinics open so that when women are in trouble, they have somewhere to go.”

McCormick said, as governor, she would also fight to ensure medical records — particularly terminated pregnancy reports — remain private.

READ MORE: What do I need on Election Day? The general election is Nov. 5
 

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues and the election, including our project Civically, Indiana.
 

The Democrat was asked about an effort to vote against retaining three of Indiana’s Supreme Court justices on this year’s ballot.

McCormick noted that the current justices were all appointed by “super-conservative governors.”

“Is it time for new judges? I welcome that,” McCormick said.

McCormick said if she had the opportunity to appoint new judges, she’d appoint people who support women, health care providers, public schools, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.
 


 

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Walmart illegally opened delivery drivers' deposit accounts, U.S. says
Greg Taylor replaced as minority leader, Senate Democrats elect Shelli Yoder
Lawmakers approve more money for LEAP District, adds to total that's in hundreds of millions