WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A federal magistrate judge is limiting the public disclosure of some information in a lawsuit challenging a new Kansas law restricting insurance coverage for abortions.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth Gale issued a protective order Thursday in the lawsuit filed against the state by the American Civil Liberties Union. He says the parties agreed that since the case relates to the controversial issue of abortion, the release of certain information should be limited to the parties, their attorneys and the court.
His order notes that public disclosure of personal and identifying information may invite harassment or other “negative consequences.”
The law bars insurance companies from offering abortion coverage as part of general health plans in Kansas. Patients who want abortion coverage must buy riders that cover only that procedure.
