PPINK challenging HEA 1337 ultrasound requirement in response to SCOTUS decision

Indianapolis – Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) is challenging a portion of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1337, that causes an undue burden on Hoosier women by forcing them to receive an ultrasound 18 hours prior to an abortion, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.

“We are diligent in providing quality health care to Hoosier women.  Ultrasounds are an essential part of our practice”, said Betty Cockrum, President and CEO of PPINK. “The 18-hour requirement has nothing to do with patient safety and adds no value in a state already fraught with burdensome and unnecessary regulations regarding a truly safe and legal procedure.” 

PPINK, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana, filed a request for a declaratory and injunctive relief with the U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana in Indianapolis on July 7.

“The requirement that women obtain an ultrasound at least 18 hours before an abortion, as opposed to allowing PPINK to continue its practice of providing one immediately prior to the abortion, provides no health benefit to women and serves only to place a substantial obstacle to obtaining an abortion,” said Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana legal director. “This law, therefore, is an unconstitutional undue burden on abortion access.”

The U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 27 struck down two requirements in Texas’ HB 2, ruling that requirements regarding admitting privileges for abortion doctors and facility specifications are an undue burden on women seeking abortions.

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Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) provides high-quality health care to more than 55,000 men and women each year at our health centers across two states. Our centers are staffed by skilled clinicians and highly trained health care professionals. 93% of our nonprofit’s services are preventive in nature and include Pap tests, breast and testicular cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing and treatment, and annual wellness exams. Through the Sara and Albert Reuben Partners in Health Education initiative, PPINK also provides sexuality and reproductive health education programs, equipping people to make responsible decisions so that families thrive in Indiana and Kentucky.

PPINK’s doors are open to all who need care and we provide our services in a confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental manner. We accept Medicaid and insurance.