Non-profit denied abortion clinic challenging licensing rules

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A non-profit group stymied in its 18-month bid to open a South Bend abortion clinic is seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order blocking Indiana’s rules licensing such operations.

The South Bend Tribune reports Texas-based Whole Woman’s Health Alliance argues Indiana State Department of Health requirements for a license are arbitrary and vague in its request filed Wednesday in Indianapolis federal court.

A health department administrative panel voted 2-1 in November to rejec t the group’s request to open a clinic performing medication-induced abortions, saying its application lacked necessary information. The group reapplied for a license in January.

Health department spokeswoman Jeni O’Malley declined comment on the court filing.

The non-profit is among three plaintiffs that challenged Indiana abortion regulations including licensing rules in a federal lawsuit filed last June .

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Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com