As an abortion case against an Indianapolis doctor has drawn national attention, Hoosiers wonder how this case might affect the abortion law in Indiana in a world post the overturn of Roe v. Wade last June.
A February 23 hearing will be the first step in the case of Indiana obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who this past summer provided an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued Bernard, claiming she violated privacy laws by speaking to an Indianapolis newspaper about the Ohio girl’s treatment.
“The question then becomes, are women going to be afraid to get needed medical care? Or are they going to even be afraid to go in and get pregnancy tests or other types of care because they don't want the state to find out that they are pregnant,” said Jennifer Drobac, an IU Robert McKinney School of Law professor.
Read more: Indiana medical board sets doctor’s hearing in abortion case
Drobac stated that while this case might not directly influence the future of abortion laws in the state, it might cause OBGYNs to have second thoughts on providing such medical care.
“Indiana prides itself on being a family friendly. Great, let's take care of the children who are already living in our state,” continued Drobac. “Let's provide them with the needed medical care that they need, and let's advocate for them even if our elected and appointed officials do not.”
Drobac noted the case highlights the dangers of politicians inserting themselves into laws pertaining to medicine.
