Abortion laws in Indiana, Ohio lead to problems in the health care system

All seven Indiana abortion clinics lost their licenses on Thursday under a new state law that only allows abortions at hospitals or hospital-owned outpatient surgical centers. In 2021, over 98% of abortions in the state were performed at these clinics.

Abortion clinics in the state told The Associated Press they would remain open to refer patients out of state, including to neighboring Ohio.

“I thought today was going to be the worst day,” Dr. Cathy McHugh, a medical officer at an abortion clinic in Indianapolis, told the AP on Thursday. “But I think the worst day was yesterday, knowing that the patients we saw in the office yesterday were the last ones we would see, and knowing how much it meant to all of us who were there—staff, doctors, and patients.” “We were able to provide this care until the last moment.”

Dr. Alison Case, who has performed medical abortions at Whole Woman’s Health abortion clinic in South Bend since 2020, will continue her work as a family doctor in Indianapolis.

She said she was worried about the maternity hospitals she oversees at the city hospital.

“I think there will be more people being forced to carry their pregnancies to term, so I think we will see more births,” she said. “But I think it’s important to note that we’re also going to see more of these complications.”

In Ohio, clinics have been preparing for large numbers of patients arriving from neighboring states in the wake of the judge’s decision, though they understand it may not be long.

“Well, I never expected to be a boom state,” said Iris Harvey, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, using the field’s new jargon. “Within 14 days we could be.”

Ohio clinics, which have been barred from doing most abortions, will resume those services from Friday.