Ohio abortion clinic again seeks exception to state rules

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Operators of a Dayton abortion clinic are again asking state health officials for an exception to rules requiring it to have a patient-transfer agreement with a hospital in case of emergencies.

Without such a variance, the license of the Women’s Med Center could be in jeopardy.

The city’s lone clinic has sought a variance from the state since 2012. But Ohio’s health director, Rick Hodges, denied the request in late June. He said the center’s two backup doctors were not enough to provide 24-hour emergency coverage to patients. Hodges gave the facility 30 days to file a new request.

The center requested another variance July 24 and listed a third physician who would be available to provide emergency care if needed.

A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health said the agency is reviewing the response.

Ohio prohibits in-state public hospitals from signing such patient-transfer agreements with abortion clinics. The restriction is among a host of others recently imposed. At least a half-dozen clinics have closed or reduced services over several years.