ODH Approves Variance Agreement for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio
For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Danielle Craig, 513.824.7852 (Mobile: 513.673.0521)
Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
2314 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45219
ODH Approves Variance Agreement for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio
“This victory ensures that women in Cincinnati can make their own private health care decisions without interference from politicians,” says Planned Parenthood
Cincinnati, OH (Nov. 20, 2014) – The Ohio Department of Health today approved Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio’s variance request and renewed the ambulatory surgical facility’s operating license. This decision demonstrates that the ODH agrees that the emergency back-up plan that Planned Parenthood has in place provides complete protection to Planned Parenthood patients should care be needed outside of the clinic.
“We are pleased that ODH has approved of the emergency plan we have in place for patients,” said Jerry Lawson, CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio. “This ruling will ensure that women in Southwest Ohio continue to have access to safe and legal abortion.”
Based on this development, Planned Parenthood plans to dismiss the lawsuit filed earlier this month because the clinic license is no longer at risk. Attorney Al Gerhardstein stated, “It is unfortunate that Planned Parenthood had to wait over 14 months and then file suit before receiving this decision but it is good to have this problem behind us.”
About Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
Serving 20 counties in Southwestern Ohio and three in Northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio strengthens the community by providing access to high quality health care and education that empower people to make informed private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. With seven health centers throughout the region, it is Planned Parenthood’s mission to provide: reproductive health care services to any individual who wants or needs them, to advocate public policies which guarantee each individual's access to services, to advocate individual’s right to privacy and their ability to make reproductive decisions free of coercion, and to provide human sexuality education which enhances the health and well-being of individuals in the community. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
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Contact: Danielle Craig, 513.824.7852 (Mobile: 513.673.0521)
Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
2314 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45219
For questions regarding the litigation, call Attorney Al Gerhardstein 513.659.4765 or Jennifer Branch 513.535.4123.