Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's (R) office is being besieged with calls protesting a new anti-abortion law as part of a campaign organized online, WRTV-TV reported.
"The more I read this bill, the more vague language I found and the more loopholes, and it just seemed incredibly intrusive," said the creator of the "Periods for Pence" campaign, a woman who asked to remain anonymous. "So I wanted to give a voice for women who really didn't feel like they were given any kind of input into a bill that would affect our life so much."
HB 1337, which Pence signed into law last week, bans abortions in cases involving "a lethal fetal anomaly." It also requires physicians to provide information regarding perinatal hospice care to women in those types of situations. Abortions motivated "solely" because of the fetus' sex or race are also banned. Physicians are also required to have admitting privileges at a hospital within their county before they are allowed to perform the procedures.
NPR reported that the bill was opposed by some Republicans who generally oppose abortions, arguing that it "demeans women and lacks compassion."
Pence defended the new law in a statement by citing his experiences meeting families with children living with Down Syndrome.
"These Hoosiers never fail to inspire me with their compassion and these special children never fail to move me with their love and joy," Pence said. "By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother."
In response, the online campaign calls on women opposed to the new law to call Pence's office and describe their reproductive cycles, then share their conversations on the campaign's Facebook page.
"Good Morning. I just wanted to inform the Governor that things seem to be drying up today. No babies seem to be up in there. Okay?" one woman said when she called the office. When asked to identify herself, she said her first name was Sue, with her last name being, "Magina. That's M-A-G-I-N-A. It rhymes with--"
At that point, the woman said, the person answering the phone told them, "I've got it" before hanging up.
Another woman said that she reached the office while the operator was on a break.
"I need to get a message to the Governor that I am on day three of my period. My flow seems abnormally heavy, but my cramps are much better to--" she explained to the person covering the phones."
"MA'AM, WHAT IS IT THAT I CAN HELP YOU WITH?" they replied.
"Oh, I don't need your help, I just wanted to keep Governor Pence informed of my reproductive cycle, since he seems so concerned," the woman explained.
The campaign's creator said some men have also called Pence's office to describe their partners' menstrual cycles in support of their efforts. Thus far, Periods for Pence has garnered more than 4,000 "Likes" on Facebook.
Watch WRTV's report, as aired on Thursday, below.
