Alabama Abortion Clinic Closes; State Finds Multiple Violations

The Beacon Women's Center, a 27-year-old abortion clinic in Montgomery, Alabama, will close June 18 after a state Department of Public Health investigation discovered numerous violations of health codes, the Associated Press reported.

"Abortion not only ends the lives of innocent babies; it harms women,” said Cheryl Ciamarra, NRLC board director for Alabama. "It should come as no surprise that people who kill babies fail to follow health and safety regulations. Ultrasound requirements, parental consent, and Women's Right to Know Laws are vital to the health and safety of women.”

In one incident reported by the health department, 17 patients had abortions without sedation because the medical director left the only key to the medicine cabinet in an office in another city, television staton WSFA reported. Investigators also found expired drugs, no emergency medical equipment, and no documented testing of resuscitation equipment.

The health department had scheduled a hearing to begin the process of revoking the abortion clinic's license. However, clinic officials voluntarily agreed to stop performing abortions June 11 and close one week later, according to WSFA.

Bill Klein, president of Alabama Citizens for Life, applauded the state public health department for enforcing the regulations. "We are hopeful the attorney general will prosecute facilities that refuse to comply with the laws so many have worked hard to pass,” he added.