Eyes turn to Toledo as flashpoint in abortion-rights controversy
The answering machine at Center for Choice clicks on after several rings, quickly telling every caller of the clinic’s closure. “Unfortunately we closed our doors as of Friday, June 7, due to restrictive abortion legislation in Ohio,” the message states.
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Her operation ended after local hospitals declined to enter into a transfer agreement with the clinic. State code requires a pact for the transfer of patients needing emergency treatment.
The University of Toledo Medical Center stopped negotiating an agreement with the clinic and alerted Capital Care Network it would not renew an agreement that expires on July 31.
University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs has said he wanted to keep the former Medical College of Ohio Hospital neutral on the abortion debate.
A spokesman for ProMedica, which at one point had an agreement with Center for Choice, issued a statement saying the hospital doesn’t “want to be put into a position of choosing a political position that is only divisive and polarizing.” Both UTMC and ProMedica officials said the hospitals will continue to treat those in need of emergency care.
Lack of a transfer agreement is a violation that could lead to the revocation of Capital Care Network’s license, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
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Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/Medical/2013/06/23/Eyes-turn-to-Toledo-as-flashpointin-abortion-rights-controversy-Copy.html#k3GAlizpfMuTIUA6.99
