BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland's top court is hearing arguments on state officials' refusal to disclose the names of applicants for abortion clinic licenses.
One issue for the Court of Appeals on Monday is whether the mere risk that disclosure might jeopardize the safety of clinic owners is enough to justify the government secrecy.
Attorney General Brian Frosh argues that releasing the names would force applicants, their families and their patients to live in "a climate of fear."
But the Daily Record reports that Andrew Glenn believes he is entitled to the names under Maryland's Public Information Act.
Glenn, who is represented by a group opposed to abortion rights, says he wants the names to protect women from clinic operators with checkered safety records.
Two lower courts have ruled in the state's favor.