Pro-Life AG Mike DeWine Files Appeal Regarding Toledo Abortion Clinic
Facility Still Open After Being Ordered Closed Almost a Year Ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Monday, July 13, 2015 PHONE: (614) 547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Friday, Attorney General Mike DeWine filed an appeal with the Sixth District Court of Appeals regarding a decision to allow Capital Care Network of Toledo to remain open. This abortion clinic has operated outside of the law since the Ohio Department of Health ordered it closed last year. State health officials ruled that the clinic was operating illegally because it failed to enter into a transfer agreement with a local hospital.
“The law is crystal clear and affords no loopholes to Ohio’s abortion industry,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “If the abortion industry wants to pretend like it’s a part of America’s traditional medical community, then it needs to play by the same rules. If a facility can’t meet those standards, then there’s no reason for us to believe that it should be allowed stay open and continue to risk the health of women and take the lives of babies.”
Unable to obtain a transfer agreement with a local hospital, Capital Care Network attempted to enter into a transfer agreement with an out-of-state hospital. Because the hospital is located over 50 miles away, the Department of Health ruled that it does not meet health and safety standards. While the abortion clinic’s legal counsel argued that this out-of-state hospital met the “local” requirement of the law, a hearing examiner ruled a year ago this week that it did not meet the definition of “local.” Last month, the Lucas County Court of Appeals ruled against the Ohio Department of Health, allowing the facility to remain open. An Ohio Right to Life initiative, signed into law with the state budget, brings further clarity to the law, defining “local” as within a 30-mile radius of a given facility.
“Ohio Right to Life and our statewide membership commend Attorney General Mike DeWine for his continued leadership on this case,” said Gonidakis. “This facility’s year-long push to flout Ohio law and to seek special privileges just goes to show how dogmatic and greed-driven the abortion industry truly is. Ohio Right to Life calls on the court to expedite the appeal, and restore the rule of law to our state.”
To read the notice of appeal that was filed with the Sixth District Court, click here.
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
###