A federal judge has dismissed The Satanic Temple’s lawsuit against Indiana’s abortion ban. Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson ruled that the Satanic Temple failed to establish any “injury in fact” in their case. The judge’s decision emphasized that the Satanic Temple does not operate abortion clinics in Indiana and did not provide specific instances of its members being affected by the abortion ban.
The lawsuit, filed by The Satanic Temple in September 2022, alleged that Indiana’s abortion ban violated the religious rights of its members and was unconstitutional. Indiana’s abortion ban permits abortion only in cases where the woman’s life or health is seriously at risk, in cases of rape or incest, or when a “lethal fetal abnormality” is present.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita celebrated the court’s ruling, labeling the lawsuit as “ridiculous” and asserting that the decision upholds a constitutionally and legally sound pro-life law. Rokita also emphasized the state’s commitment to a “culture of life.”
The court’s decision received support from pro-life advocates, with Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, applauding the outcome.
The Satanic Temple’s attorney expressed disappointment in the judge’s ruling, and it remains uncertain whether the group will pursue an appeal. The attorney contended that the judge’s decision stemmed from a failure to acknowledge the potential for Satanic Temple members in Indiana needing abortion services in the future.
Despite the provocative name, The Satanic Temple consists of atheist members who aim to challenge the influence of Christianity in American society. The group’s central belief centers on the autonomy of one’s body, asserting that it is “inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone,” which includes the right to abortion.
While the Satanic Temple does not operate abortion clinics in Indiana, the group established a telehealth clinic last year in New Mexico named “Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic.” This clinic offers abortion medication through mail services to Satanic Temple members in New Mexico.
BREAKING: Satanic Temple loses their “religious freedom” lawsuit which was challenging Indiana’s pro-life laws.
BIG win for LIFE!
If your “religion” involves killing babies, you should find another religion.https://t.co/D9osXPIL4A
— Kristan Hawkins (@KristanHawkins) October 26, 2023
