Indiana state Rep. John Bartlett proposed an amendment to the state’s abortion ban which would outlaw erectile dysfunction drugs.
“We’re forcing young girls to be mothers but not forcing the men to be fathers,” Bartlett said. “If, in fact, an unwanted pregnancy is an act of God, then impotence is an act of God. I think the onus should be put on men for these pregnancies.”Â
In response to Bartlett’s amendment, Republican Kelly McNamara laughingly said “I will measure my comments as I don’t want to get in trouble, but please oppose this amendment.”
“Some may think this is a joke, but it takes two people for a pregnancy to come about, and to put all the onus on the woman, I just think it’s unfair,” Bartlett responded.
Bartlett’s amendment ultimately failed on a voice vote.
On Friday, the Indiana House and Senate passed the near-total abortion ban. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed the bill into law shortly after, making Indiana the first state to pass a restrictive abortion ban since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
The law provides exceptions for when the life of the mother is at risk and for fatal fetal anomalies, up to 20 weeks. It also allows exceptions for some abortions if the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest.
The new law goes into effect on September 15.
