COLUMBUS—The Ohio Supreme Court today denied consideration of an appeal by long-time abortionist Martin Haskell’s Women’s Med Center regarding its 2016 licensure revocation by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The announcement means that ODH can finally take action to close the facility where up to 3000 abortions are performed annually.
“We are extremely grateful that the Court saw what the trial judge and the appellate court both saw: that Haskell and his operation are a threat to maternal and child well-being” stated Margie Christie, Executive Director of Dayton Right to Life (DRTL) and President of the Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio (RTLACO). “We thank the Department of Health and the Attorney General’s Office for pursuing this matter and working to close this blight on our community.”
Haskell has operated the Women’s Med Center, which specializes in late-term abortions, without a state issued license, waiver or transfer agreement with a local hospital for the last three years while the appeals of the license revocation have been pending. In that time, there have been incidents requiring emergency treatment of women injured during abortion procedures.
“Haskell and his operation are all about profits, not about the well-being of women” noted Gary Taphorn, Chairman of the Board of Dayton Right to Life. “We are relieved to see this shameful chapter in the history of our region be closed.”
The clinic’s supporters have attempted to use intimidation tactics to bully local provider Miami Valley Hospital, operated by Premier Healthcare, to sign a transfer agreement with the abortion facility. Such an agreement would be in lieu of the facility actually holding a valid license to operate. However, by law hospitals already must receive and treat emergency patients experiencing complications from Haskell’s facility, so Premiere has declined to contract with the abortionist.
“Premier Health should be commended for taking women’s healthcare seriously and refusing the pressure of Haskell’s supporters” noted Christie. “Premiere’s board understands that abortion is not healthcare, and a woman’s well-being is not served by enabling Martin Haskell to continue his bloody business.”