SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – A county council in northern Indiana has voted down an ordinance that would have added new local requirements for doctors who perform abortions.
Indiana law requires abortion doctors either have admitting privileges at a hospital or an agreement with a doctor that does. The ordinance before the St. Joseph County Council had those requirements, and abortion doctors also would have had to report the backup doctor's name locally.
The council voted 6-3 against the ordinance early Wednesday morning after hours of debate. Dozens of people testified.
Four council members who voted against the ordinance said it was redundant in light of state law. Supporters of the ordinance had said it would protect women's health if complications arise during abortions.
