Abortion rights supporters in Indiana upset over the state’s new abortion law are protesting it by asking Indiana’s governor to weigh in on menstrual-related issues.
The Facebook page Periods for Pence encourages women to call, email and tweet Gov. Mike Pence with updates and questions about their periods. The page began encouraging women to also call Indiana State Rep. Casey Cox (R-Fort Wayne) with similar questions because he authored the bill.
The page had more than 23,000 likes and thousands of comments as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6.
The protests are trending on both Facebook and Twitter and went viral as national and international media wrote about the page.
Story continues after Facebook and Twitter posts
Me: “Hi, I’m new to the area and I was wondering if Mr. Cox could refer me to a good gynecogist?”Good-natured, polite…
Posted by Periods for Pence on Tuesday, April 5, 2016
#periodsforpence @GovPenceIN how about you lift the tax on tampons as luxury items since my uterus is treated like public property.
— Jane Elgin (@Jane_Elgin) April 2, 2016
I called Governor Pence’s office and let them know day 6 and my period is OVER. #periodsforpence
— Melissa Lane (@MeSillyWoohoo) March 31, 2016
I am concerned about all those little sanitary napkin disposal containers one finds in public bathrooms. Since early…
Posted by Susan Grunberg on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Dear @GovPenceIN, I’m currently ovulating, but I’ll keep you posted on my reproductive nuances. I know how deeply you care. #PeriodsForPence
— Summer Heacock (@Fizzygrrl) March 30, 2016
The protests are a reaction to HEA 1337, which will require facilities to cremate or bury miscarried and aborted fetuses when it goes into affect July 1. It also bans abortions sought because of race, sex, ancestry or a fetus’ abnormality or disability. The bill specifically mentions Down syndrome but did not mention other conditions.
- RELATED: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs abortion restrictions bill into law, March 24, 2016
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky said it plans to seek an injunction keeping the law from taking effect in July.
Pence’s office told the Indianapolis Star that they haven’t received an abnormal amount of calls for a controversial law and are “always willing to take calls from constituents who have questions, concerns or are looking for assistance.” Supporters are also welcome to call, email or tweet, they said.
- RELATED: Pro-abortion supporters plan court battle over Indiana’s new abortion restrictions, March 24, 2016
