Pro-Life AG Mike DeWine Files Motion to Close Toledo Abortion Clinic
Facility Still Open After Being Order Closed Almost a Year Ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Friday, June 19, 2015 PHONE: (614) 547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a motion with the Lucas County Common Pleas Court in an effort to expedite the closure of Toledo’s last abortion facility, Capital Care Network. This abortion clinic has operated outside of the law since the Ohio Department of Health ordered it closed. State health officials ruled that the clinic was operating illegally because it failed to enter into a transfer agreement with a local hospital.
“It’s unconscionable that this abortion clinic has been operating illegally for nearly a year now,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “This order has been sitting on a judge’s desk for far too long while innocent babies die and women are endangered. We sincerely thank Mike DeWine for taking the lead by attempting to put an end to these delay tactics. The judicial branch should expedite this matter especially because innocent human lives are on the line.”
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.”
“If these abortion clinics really cared about women’s health, they wouldn’t attempt to skirt the most basic health and safety standards that every other ambulatory surgical facility in the state abides by. With the force of Attorney General Mike DeWine weighing in on this significant breach of health and safety standards, we expect to see action on this case soon,” said Gonidakis
Ohio Right to Life and our statewide membership thanks Attorney General DeWine’s passion for justice, women’s health and a focused interest in protecting human lives.
To read the motion that was filed today, 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.
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