Judge Halts Indiana Abortion Ban After Religious Freedom Challenge

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:50 PM

A Marion County judge has temporarily blocked Indiana's abortion ban following a lawsuit by plaintiffs claiming abortion access is part of their religious beliefs. The case involves arguments promoted by the Satanic Temple using First Amendment protections.

A Marion County Superior Court judge has temporarily suspended Indiana’s abortion ban after ruling on a lawsuit filed by plaintiffs who argue that access to abortion services is protected under their religious beliefs. Judge Christina Klineman granted the preliminary injunction in response to the challenge.

The legal strategy being used in this case mirrors efforts being pursued across the country by the Satanic Temple, an organization that seeks to safeguard abortion access by framing it as a matter protected under First Amendment religious freedoms.

Indiana Right to Life has responded to the ruling, stating that religious freedom protections “were never intended to equate taking the life of an unborn child with religious expression.”

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