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Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, slammed the Indiana state authorities on Saturday for passing the nation's first abortion ban and demanded that the US Congress quickly reinstate the law defending women's reproductive rights.

The US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in late June, allowing individual states to prohibit abortion. On Friday, Indiana became the first state to approve abortion beginning on September 15. The ban includes some exceptions, such as in cases of "incest and rape, and if the patient's physical health is jeopardized."

According to a White House statement published on their website, Jean-Pierre said that "The Indiana legislature took a devastating step as a result of the Supreme Court’s extreme decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate women’s constitutionally-protected right to abortion. And, it’s another radical step by Republican legislators to take away women’s reproductive rights and freedom, and put personal health care decisions in the hands of politicians rather than women and their doctors." 

Furthermore, the press secretary said that US President Joe Biden continues to be committed to "taking action to protect women's reproductive rights and freedom," adding that "congress should also act immediately to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe - the only way to secure a woman's right to choose nationally." 

Over the past two weeks, lawmakers in Indiana considered testimonies involving residents on all sides of the issue rarely, if ever, backed up the legislation. While supporters of abortion said the bill went too far, those against abortion said it did not go far enough.

Advocating against the bill, Rep. Ann Vermilion criticized her fellow Republicans for saying women who obtained abortions are “murderers”.

“I think that the Lord’s promise is for grace and kindness,” Vermilion said. “He would not be jumping to condemn these women.”

The Indiana House speaker Todd Huston said that in the event that residents are unhappy, they could vote for new lawmakers.

Read more: Kansas votes to maintain abortion rights