The lawsuit is the latest development in the clash between Bevin and Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, or PPINK, which has said it was operating under instructions of the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services when it began offering abortions in December at its new clinic in downtown Louisville.
Planned Parenthood had not previously offered abortions in Kentucky.
But the lawsuit, filed Thursday in Jefferson Circuit Court, claims that the organization's actions were illegal and asks that Planned Parenthood be fined up to $684,000 for the alleged violations. The lawsuit alleges that 23 abortions were performed unlawfully from Dec. 3 through Jan. 28.
"Planned Parenthood should be required to pay fines in the maximum amount allowed by law in order to punish it for its callous and knowing violations of law and to deter it and others from such violations in the future," said a press release issued by Bevin announcing the lawsuit.