Indiana governor OKs fetal defects abortion ban

The Latest on an Indiana bill that would ban abortions from being performed because of fetal genetic abnormalities (all times local):

5:50 p.m.

Opponents of an Indiana measure banning women from getting abortions because of fetal genetic defects say they plan fight the law in court.

Indiana's Planned Parenthood affiliate says Republican Gov. Mike Pence injected his personal ideology into public health policy in deciding to sign the bill Thursday.

The group says it is working with the American Civil Liberties Union and expects to ask a judge to put the law on hold before it takes effect in July.

The law would also prohibit abortions from being performed because of a fetus's race, sex or ancestry.

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5:25 p.m.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he believes a bill banning women from getting abortions because of fetal genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome affirms the value of all human life.

The Republican governor signed the contentious measure into law on Thursday, making Indiana the second state with such a ban.

Pence said in a statement that he believe the legislation takes "an important step in protecting the unborn."

The law will take effect in July. It will also prohibit abortions from being performed because of a fetus's race, sex or ancestry.

The bill has been criticized by medical professionals and several female Republican members of the Indiana Legislature, who say it goes too far in telling women what they can and cannot do.

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4:55 p.m.

Republican Gov. Mike Pence has signed a bill making Indiana the second state to ban abortions because of fetal genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

The governor's office says Pence signed the measure Thursday, just hours ahead of his deadline to take action on the bill passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature.

The new law takes effect in July. It will also prohibit abortions from being performed because of a fetus's race, sex or ancestry and mandate that the only way to dispose of an aborted fetus is through burial or cremation.

The bill has drawn backlash from medical professionals and several female Republican members of the Indiana Legislature who say it goes too far in telling women what they can and cannot do.

North Dakota adopted similar restrictions in 2013.

Statement from Governor Mike Pence:

“Throughout my public career, I have stood for the sanctity of life. HEA 1337 is a comprehensive pro-life measure that affirms the value of all human life, which is why I signed it into law today. “I believe that a society can be judged by how it deals with its most vulnerable—the aged, the infirm, the disabled and the unborn. HEA 1337 will ensure the dignified final treatment of the unborn and prohibits abortions that are based only on the unborn child's sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, or disability, including Down syndrome. “Some of my most precious moments as Governor have been with families of children with disabilities, especially those raising children with Down syndrome. These Hoosiers never fail to inspire me with their compassion and these special children never fail to move me with their love and joy. “By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families.”

Statement from Indiana Right to Life:

"Gov. Pence has long been a champion for the unborn and their mothers," said Mike Fichter, President and CEO of Indiana Right to Life. "By signing the dignity for the unborn bill, Gov. Pence has again signified his commitment to protecting life. We are pleased that our state values life no matter an individual's potential disability, gender or race. We also believe that the other measures in the bill are positive steps forward for providing dignity and compassion."