Staff report
Bloomington, Ind. – July 24, 2023
With only days remaining before a near-total abortion ban takes effect in Indiana, residents of the state are gathering in various locations for vigils, according to Hoosier Jews for Choice.
Coordinated events, set to take place on July 30 and 31, have been organized by Hoosier Jews for Choice, Indiana NOW Chapters, and MADVoters.
Despite the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling in June to uphold the near-total abortion ban with limited exceptions, these reproductive rights groups remain undeterred and are determined to take further action.
Elly Cohen, co-founder of Hoosier Jews for Choice and one of the event organizers, emphasized that the fight is far from over. “We are not done,” Cohen stated. “We’re continuing this fight through community organizing, voter mobilization, and, of course, our lawsuit.” Cohen referred to a class-action lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the abortion ban, arguing that it violates Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
A vigil in Bloomington is scheduled for Monday, July 31, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Additionally, several other events will be held throughout the state:
- Bloomington* (Monroe County Courthouse): Monday, July 31, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Crown Point (Old Lake Courthouse): Monday, July 31, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
- Ft. Wayne (Allen County Courthouse): Monday, July 31, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Indianapolis (MCL Cafeteria): Sunday, July 30, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
- Michigan City (You Are Beautiful Park): Monday, July 31, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Valpo (Porter County Courthouse): Monday, July 31, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
- South Bend Rally (Civil Rights Heritage Center): Monday, July 31, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
According to a press release, Hoosier Jews for Choice, an organizer behind these initiatives, is driven by Jewish values and actively advocates for reproductive justice, abortion access, and bodily autonomy for all individuals across the state.
Indiana NOW, an intersectional and multi-issue organization, has been at the forefront of championing women’s rights. Their official priorities include fighting for economic equality, securing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal rights for women, supporting abortion rights and reproductive justice, opposing racism, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and working to end violence against all women.
MADVoters, on the other hand, focuses on empowering and advancing equitable efforts in Indiana through education, outreach, and advocacy.
