After it was ruled in June that the last remaining abortion clinic in Toledo, Ohio should stay open, an appeal by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has been lodged, objecting to the decision.
The ruling declared that the restrictions placed on the Capital Care Network clinic in regards to abortions were unconstitutional, with Lucas County Judge Myron Duhart announcing that the state had,
“exceeded its constitutional authority.”
Another clinic in the area, The Center for Choice, shut down in 2013 after it was revealed the clinic hadn’t held a transfer agreement since 2010. Ohio law at that time meant that clinics, in order to remain in business and keep their licences, had to operate under an agreement with a local, private hospital – something which the CFC didn’t have.
New legislation has come into effect since then, meaning local hospitals used for transfers of patients from abortion facilities must not be further than 30 miles away. Toledo’s Capital Care hospital is approximately 50.
The debate surrounding abortion rights is one that has divided organisations and individuals for many years. This latest development in Ohio means that such discussion is likely to be ongoing for some time yet.
Where do you stand on the issue? Do you think it’s right for the clinic to remain open? Share your views with us below!
