Attorney General Todd Rokita has issued an official advisory opinion clarifying that Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) are public records open to inspection — though the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) can and should redact any information that could reasonably identify a pregnant woman.  

Indiana State Senator Andy Zay requested the advisory opinion from the Attorney General’s Office after IDOH refused to disclose the public records necessary to improve maternal life and ensure providers are complying with Indiana’s pro-life laws.

“My colleagues and I in the General Assembly passed the first in the nation pro-life law after Roe v. Wade was overturned,” Senator Zay said. “Now, the actions of unelected bureaucrats have made that law unenforceable.”

Lack of public access to these reports impedes the ability of the Attorney General to perform its statutory duties of investigating complaints against medical providers — thereby undermining the public interest.  

“As the entity charged with overseeing medical licensing complaints, our office has long relied on these reports to investigate medical provider complaints,” Attorney General Rokita said. “If IDOH refuses to disclose them, it is impossible to ensure that providers are complying with the law.” 

The decision by IDOH to seek, and rely on, a faulty opinion from the Public Access Counselor declaring TPRs confidential medical records appears to represent an abrupt change in policy and practice by the state agency. 

Attorney General Rokita expressed appreciation to Sen. Zay for his persistence in making sure the record was set straight. 

“As someone who has participated in legislative deliberations about these reports,” Sen. Zay said, “I can confirm that it was never the Indiana General Assembly’s intent to make them secret and render them useless.” 

Information contained in the reports can provide such insights as the age of the fetus at the time of abortion, whether the pregnant woman sought the abortion as a result of abuse or trafficking, and the age of the pregnant woman (which may help indicate possible child sexual abuse). Broader quarterly reports with aggregated data lack such details. 

The advisory opinion makes clear that, in Indiana, maintaining open and transparent government is a cornerstone of public policy. 

“The TPRs can be redacted,” the advisory opinion states, “to balance the privacy concern regarding the pregnant woman who received an abortion, the public’s right to inspection of public records, and the need of enforcement agencies to review these documents to monitor compliance with laws or investigate complaints and allegations that such laws were violated.” 

You’re invited to embark on a fascinating journey into history with the Southwestern Indiana Historical Society with our upcoming event: “The Remarkable Life of E.A. Richardson.” Presented by former Willard Public Library archivist, Pat Sides. This captivating program promises to unveil the intriguing story of E.A. Richardson, Indiana’s first poet laureate.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Browning Gallery

E.A. Richardson was not only a poet but also a humorist and songwriter, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore his life and contributions to Indiana’s cultural heritage.

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening filled with discovery and appreciation for our local history. Bring your friends and family along to share in this enriching experience.

INDIANAPOLIS — Planting season is quickly approaching for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana’s rural roads and highways.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Hoosier Ag Today want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.

“Indiana farmers will be working hard this spring to ensure their crops are planted safely, timely and efficiently,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Whether you live in rural, urban or suburban Indiana, remain alert on the road this spring as you may encounter large farm equipment moving between fields.”

In 2021, four occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in two deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*.

“With the onset of warmer weather, we will begin to see more and more farm machinery on our rural roads and highways,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “Patience, courtesy, undivided attention, and understanding will help everyone get to where they need to be safely.  Let’s all do our part to ensure our farmers enjoy a safe planting season.”

While the term “farm equipment” encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.

The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:

• Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
• Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.
• Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
• Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring that the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow a pass when the farmer is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
• Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
• Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb wants to remind motorists that farmers work hard to ensure they are being as safe as possible.

“As a farmer myself I have heard of way too many accidents involving farm equipment and motorists on rural Indiana roads,” said Lamb. “Unfortunately, crashes and deaths occur each year during this busy time. We want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient when sharing the roads with farmers this busy spring season.”