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STATE WIDE–The state’s largest health system is getting ready for changes that are expected to be caused by the state’s new abortion law, that will effectively ban most abortions in Indiana. The executive vice president of IU Health says doctors are learning what will be legal and what will not when the law goes into effect Sept. 15.

“The idea was that we wanted to have the capacity and plan to accommodate those who sought care in our facilities,” said VP David Ingram in a virtual meeting that was open to reporters.

He said one of the consequences of the law will likely be more pregnancies. He said that may result in more babies needing specialized care. So, IU hospitals are getting ready in that regard.

“We’ve had a few walk-throughs where we have tested our processes and feel that we will be prepared on Sept. 15.”

Since abortions will no longer be allowed to be performed in clinics, and in most cases must be performed in hospitals, Ingram said IU Health wants their providers to be aware of what is legal and what isn’t. The system has established a 24/7 response team.

“Any of our providers have access to that if they need clarification on an issue that could arise and whether they were functioning in the legal boundaries of the law,” he said.

Ingram also said that the medical school is having to make arrangements to provide OB/GYN residents with education on how to perform abortions by transporting them out of state. Ingram said that will include getting them there and putting them up.

Ingram said a poll of future medical professionals enrolled in the IU medical school showed that 85 percent would consider the new law when deciding on future employment.

“We also have a few cases where we have been recruiting from out of state, providers who have withdrawn from the process because of the passage of this bill,” he said. Ingram said the hospital system is working on how to best recruit people and hold on to others.