Doctor fined in Indiana for speaking out about 10-year-old’s abortion.

Indiana Doctor Disciplined for Speaking Out After Providing Abortion for 10-Year-Old Rape Victim

An Indiana doctor has been fined $3,000 and reprimanded by the state’s Medical Licensing Board for violating privacy laws by speaking publicly about providing an abortion for a 10-year-old Ohio rape victim who traveled to Indiana for the medical procedure.

The doctor, Caitlin Bernard, appeared in front of the board after being accused of violating Indiana law by not reporting the rape to authorities and violating federal patient privacy laws when she spoke to the media about the case just days after the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Bernard maintains that she did not release any information that could identify the girl and argues that it’s important for people to understand the real-world impacts of abortion laws and legislation being passed.

Background

The story was cited by pro-abortion activists as a consequence of the Roe overturn, as Ohio’s heartbeat bill, banning abortion at about six weeks, went into effect. A review last year by Indiana University Health, Bernard’s employer, found that she had complied with patient privacy laws.

The Indiana medical board is made up of six doctors and one attorney, all of whom are appointed by the governor. According to the Indianapolis Star, some of the members of the board have made political contributions to the Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita, who accused Bernard of violating Indiana law.

Arguments

• Bernard’s attorney argued that her client did not break the law because she was allowed to speak to the media and did not share any protected health information of the patient.
• Pro-abortion activists argue that Bernard’s case is an example of the real-world consequences of anti-abortion legislation.

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Despite the controversy, Bernard’s case highlights the importance of protecting patient privacy and the need for doctors to be able to speak out about the real-world impacts of legislation affecting their patients.