Strahorn takes issue with state's decision to close Dayton women's health clinic

House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) took issue with the decision today by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to revoke the operating license for the Women’s Medical Center of Dayton.

“I believe women have the constitutional right to make their own personal healthcare decisions in consultation with their physician and their families,” said Strahorn. “Not only does this decision jeopardize that fundamental freedom and right, but it stands on shaky legal ground by using questionable policies that have been drawn into constitutional question by Ohio courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.”  

The state says the health care facility didn’t qualify for a variance from a 2013 Ohio transfer agreement restriction – a hurdle that has been struck down twice as unconstitutional by Ohio courts. Similar restrictions were also ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt. Attorney General Mike DeWine is currently appealing the latest Ohio court order.

The Women’s Medical Center of Dayton has been meeting changing demands from ODH regarding the number of back-up obstetricians needed for a variance from Ohio’s 2013 restrictions, but a recent doctor harassment and intimidation campaign made it difficult to meet a new arbitrary four-doctor threshold from ODH.