CEC For Life and several other groups within the Birmingham pro-life community organized a press conference this morning to call on the state of Alabama for the immediate closure of the New Woman All Women abortion clinic.
As many are aware, this clinic will surrender its license on May 18, 2012, as a result of a two-month long investigation opened after two of its patients were overdosed on vasopressin during abortion procedures and rushed to the hospital on January 21, 2012.
That investigation rendered a 76-page deficiency report which should have led to a hearing in April regarding the revocation of the clinic’s license. However, the owner, Diane Derzis, negotiated a consent order with the state in which the clinic would surrender its license voluntarily on May 18. In exchange, there will be no hearing, no further investigation, and the clinic may remain in full operation until May 11, 2012.
CEC For Life and over 80 national, local, and even international pro-life organizations find this decision unacceptable. As Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life said: “If [the state of Alabama] cares about women, then all the reasons for closing this dangerous facility later are reasons for closing it today!”
That was the primary message heard from this morning’s speakers including CEC For Life director Fr. Terry Gensemer and National Assistant Sarah Howell, Regional Silent No More Coordinator Jacquie Stalnaker, and former NWAW patient April Allen, who is now a leader in the post-abortive ministries of Birmingham.
Our hope is that the state of Alabama will hear our plea for women’s lives and close this clinic down immediately. With the numerous violations going on inside the NWAW clinic, five weeks is more than enough time to injure another woman or — even more horrifying — end her life.
We ask that all concerned citizens and willing pro-life advocates contact the following agencies and officials to request the immediate closure of this dangerous clinic:
Alabama Department of Public Health
Phone: 334-206-5300
Donald E. Williamson, State Health Officer
Phone: 334-206-5200
Fax: 334-206-2008
E-Mail: donwilliamson@adph.state.al.us
Mayor’s Office – William A. Bell, Sr.
Kelli Clarke
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
(205)254-2283
kelli.clarke@birminghamal.gov
Governor’s Office – Robert Bentley
Phone: 334-242-7100
Fax: 334-353-0004
Email: http://governor.alabama.gov/contact.aspx