Abortion foes shift restriction push to counties (Indiana)

[LiberalFighter]

Need to keep an eye on this. Some believe that county or city governments don't have jurisdiction to create ordinances controlling a medical practice. But this didn't stop Vanderburgh County. It is being attempted in Allen County (Ft Wayne) now.

Abortion opponents frustrated at the state level are turning to counties to win legislation requiring doctors who perform the procedure to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.

The Vanderburgh County commissioners in Evansville quietly passed such an ordinance last week, and activists are seeking a similar ordinance in Allen County, home to the Fort Wayne Women’s Health Organization abortion clinic.

Backers say such measures protect patient safety, but abortion providers say they restrict women’s access.

Local measures mark a shift in strategy for abortion opponents, who during the past two legislative sessions watched the state Senate – but not the Indiana House – pass bills that would require doctors who perform abortions to have privileges at a local hospital. Measures must pass both chambers to become law.

Source: Ft Wayne Journal Gazette Aug 15 2008