Panel explains ruling on proposed Indiana abortion clinic

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials say they rejected a nonprofit’s request to open an abortion clinic because necessary information wasn’t disclosed on an application.

The 2-1 ruling was made last month by an Indiana Department of Health administrative panel, but the panel didn’t immediately explain the rejection.

The South Bend Tribune reports the panel on Tuesday released an explanation for the ruling, which could be appealed.

The ruling marked the latest setback for the Texas-based Whole Women’s Health Alliance, which has spent more than a year trying to get approval to open a clinic in South Bend.

The health department rejected the group’s application in January, arguing it failed to meet requirements of having “reputable and responsible character” and didn’t disclose necessary information.

An administrative law judge in September ruled a license should be granted, but the state appealed.

___

Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com