Last January I noted that, under Indiana law, a woman who is raped, impregnated, and gives birth to the child can be forced to allow the rapist visitation and even could lose custody and be forced to pay child support to the rapist. Louisiana, it appears, has laws of similar effect. 1/6

The woman, now 32, was allegedly raped at age 16 by a man nearly twice her age whom she had never previously met. One commentator said “to be forced to pay her rapist child support and legal fees and give up custody of the child that's a product of the rape. It makes no sense." 2/6

IN: Woman gives birth out of wedlock has sole custody. I.C. § 31-14-13-1. If contested ? Court determines custody based on child’s best interest w/no presumption favoring either parent. To be considered is pattern of domestic/family violence by either parent. I.C. § 31-14-13-2. 3/6

Strangers don’t have pattern. I.C. 35-31.5-2-78. Parent w/custody determines kid's upbringing, unless court determines child’s best ints require limits. I.C. § 31-14-13-4. Court may NOT modify custody absent kid’s best interests + substantial change in factors. I.C. § 31-14-13-6. 4/6

Woman raped MUST give rapist her telephone #s & her home/email addresses. I.C. § 31-14-13-10.2. He has right to parenting time. There’s no mention of Mom’s well being or injuries. And he could petition for custody, as happened in Louisiana. Indiana laws need to be changed. 5/6

In event of rape, incest, threat to woman’s health, or her free will, she has the right to decide. I’m Mark Small: pro-choice, pro environment, pro-science, pro-separation of church & State, anti-gun & GOP candidate for Indiana House District 86. I approve of this blog. Hell, I wrote it. 6/6