Judges Block Abortion Records Release in Indiana, Ohio

A Marion County judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Indiana Department of Health from releasing terminated pregnancy reports, stating that these records are private medical documents not subject to public disclosure. This ruling comes amidst a lawsuit initiated by two OBGYNs following a settlement between the state and an anti-abortion group that sought public access to these records. In Ohio, Judge Alison Hatheway ruled against a law requiring the burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains, declaring it unconstitutional and a barrier to reproductive rights. Hatheway emphasized that the law, if enforced, would impose significant burdens on abortion providers and impede access to care. Both rulings reflect ongoing legal battles in the Midwest concerning abortion rights and the handling of sensitive medical information. The decisions underscore the tension between state regulations and patient privacy in the context of abortion services.