Indiana AG Todd Rokita Fined and Reprimanded for Misconduct Over Remarks About Abortion Doctor

AG Rokita accused of using position to encumber and shame Dr. Caitlin Bernard following a legal abortion procedure she carried out, as part of public statement made in 2022; the fine and reprimand mark the latest development in a fraught, year-long legal saga.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has been fined $250 and publicly reprimanded by the Indiana Supreme Court for comments made against Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who performed a legal abortion procedure on a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio.
Rokita violated two state professional conduct rules by saying Dr. Bernard was an 'abortion activist' with 'a history of failing to report' similar procedures to state officials, remarks he made with 'no substantial purpose other than to embarrass or burden the physician.'
Rokita has maintained the accuracy of his statements, referring to his comments as 'truthful.' He agreed to the settlement to 'save a lot of taxpayer money and distraction'.
The 10-year-old rape victim had to cross state lines into Indiana for the procedure following the six-week abortion ban that took effect in Ohio after the Roe v. Wade reversal.
Rokita has pursued action against Dr. Bernard for over a year, including filing a complaint with the state's medical licensing board and suing her employer, Indiana University Health, for allegedly failing to protect the patient's personal information. However, the board ruled Bernard did not violate professional standards and continues to be fit to practice medicine.