Indiana Right to Life leaders are calling for an investigation into Hoosier physicians who they claim are failing to report abortions performed on girls under the age of 16.
As of last year, Indiana law requires doctors to report all abortions performed on girls 16 and under to the state department of health and the department of child services within three days.
Monica Siefker is the representative for Right to Life Bloomington affiliate. She says the law allows DCS to look into cases and is meant to protect the girls.
"Given that as high as one in four girls may experience sexual abuse before they turn 18, it's likely that some of these pregnancies were not the result of consensual activity," Siefker says.
Indiana Right To Life says nearly 50 consumer complaints have been filed against nine Indiana physicians who allegedly didn't follow the reporting requirements. That's according to state Induced terminated pregnancy data the group reviewed.
The doctors accused of not reporting the abortions worked at different medical clinics in four cities, including several Planned Parenthood clinics.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky says in a statement its most recent inspection from the Indiana State Department of Health shows the organization is adhering to state reporting requirements for minors in their health care centers.
"At Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK), the health and safety of our patients is our top priority and we take our responsibility to provide the best possible care for our patients seriously," said Ali Slocum, PPINK Communications and Marketing Director. "We adhere to Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reporting requirements and follow best public health practices to ensure that patients receive the help they need. We cooperate fully with all ISDH inspections and immediately address any issues that officials share with us."
Indiana Right to Life leaders say they plan to file complaints with the attorney general's office and local prosecutors.
