Indiana Supreme Court to Hear Religious Challenge to Abortion Ban

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indiana Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the state's near-total abortion ban on the grounds of religious freedom. A Marion County court previously ruled that the ban imposed a 'substantial burden' on religious exercise protected under Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, granting a permanent injunction. The state is now appealing that decision directly to the state's highest court.

Why it matters

This case will test the limits of Indiana's strict new abortion law and whether it can be enforced against individuals who claim a religious exemption. The outcome could set an important precedent for how states balance abortion restrictions with religious liberty protections.

The details

The lawsuit was brought by five anonymous Indiana women and the Hoosier Jews for Choice group, who argued their 'sincere religious beliefs' compelled them to seek abortions that would be illegal under the state's new law. Indiana's near-total abortion ban, which went into effect in August 2023, only allows a few exceptions such as cases of rape, incest, or serious health risks to the mother.

• The Indiana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case on September 10, 2026.
• A Marion County court granted a permanent injunction against enforcing the abortion ban on those with religious exemptions in March 2026.

What’s next

The Indiana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case on September 10, 2026 and issue a ruling that will determine if the state can enforce its near-total abortion ban on individuals with religious exemptions.