Operation Rescue wants open Iowa medical records to be just that – open. But the group is encountering opposition from an abortionist.
Operation Rescue researchers wanted public records of Planned Parenthood abortion practitioner Susan Haskell. But that request was denied, and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland has now sued the Citizen's Information Center.
"Seemingly in Iowa, there are open records -- and then there are open records that can be sealed when Planned Parenthood doesn't like the information that's within them," suggests Operation Rescue president Troy Newman.
Also at issue is the fact that the medical board staff tipped off Planned Parenthood when the request was made. Newman stresses that a doctor's medical license, disciplinary action taken against him or her, and even their application for a medical license are all public documents in every state.
"But in Iowa, if you work for Planned Parenthood, the Iowa Board of Medicine will let you know that Operation Rescue is seeking your open records and then will seek a court injunction prohibiting us from getting that information," the pro-lifer laments.
Newman also decides that this lawsuit raises speculation about what Planned Parenthood has to hide. "It's corruption and collusion within the abortion industry at its worst degree," he contends.
The Operation Rescue president concludes that the relationship between the abortion clinic and the state medical board is a little too cozy, but he has a few court maneuvers in mind to ensure that public information is public.
Contact: Charlie Butts
Date Published: September 2, 2010
