Indiana sued over ultrasound 18 hours before abortion rule

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is challenging a new state requirement that women get an ultrasound at least 18 hours before they have an abortion.

The federal lawsuit filed Thursday against state and local officials contends the provision that took effect July 1 is unconstitutional because it places an undue burden on women’s right to obtain an abortion.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of the Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky says the new requirement will cause Planned Parenthood’s few clinics with ultrasound equipment to become more crowded, delay abortions and prevent some women from getting an abortion.

ACLU of Indiana legal director, Ken Falk, says the new requirement “provides no health benefit to women and serves only to place a substantial obstacle to obtaining an abortion.”