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Rape Exception Divides Indiana Republicans in Abortion Debate

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray opens the second day of hearings on a Republican proposal to ban nearly all abortions in the state at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, on July 26.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray opens the second day of hearings on a Republican proposal to ban nearly all abortions in the state at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, on July 26.

Photographer: Michael Conroy/AP Photo

Republican lawmakers in Indiana—the state where a 10-year-old victim recently traveled to end a pregnancy—are struggling to advance an abortion ban because they can’t agree whether to allow exceptions for rape.

With roughly two weeks left in a special session, state Senate leaders postponed a planned Friday vote because factions of the GOP, which has supermajority control, are refusing to compromise on whether to allow some abortions under limited circumstances.