Planned Parenthood has filed a federal lawsuit to protect access to abortions in Ohio. The lawsuit was filed on Sunday after state officials accused them of illegally disposing of aborted fetuses.
On Friday, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said a four-month investigation of three Planned Parenthood facilities showed they had contracted with a medical waste company that was disposing of medical tissue in a Kentucky landfill. According to Ohio law, the only rule about disposal is that "the fetus shall be disposed of in a humane manner."
DeWine argued last week that "disposing of them in a landfill is not humane," and said that he and Rick Hodges, director of the Ohio Department of Health, were filing a court injunction "to restrict Planned Parenthood activities where violations of law have occurred," Hodges said in a statement.
Planned Parenthood argues that they have, in fact, been acting in accordance of the law and that the state officials never confronted them with concerns and, instead, went straight to the press and threatened to take legal action.
"Planned Parenthood handles medical tissue just like other health care providers do," Jerry Lawson, CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio, said in a statement. "We work with licensed medical removal companies to handle fetal tissue respectfully and safely. It's clear from the Attorney General's press conference that we've acted properly and legally, and this is just part of his longstanding political agenda to ban abortion in all cases. We won't let that happen."
The number of abortion providers in Ohio has been cut in half in the last four years, the second highest number of closures nationally behind Texas.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Charlotte Tilbury Is Honoring the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee With a "Timeless" Limited-Edition CollectionYou can already scoop up a few pieces from the royal-inspired set.
-
Fashion Brands That Recycle, Resell, or Upcycle Your Old Clothes
Here's what to do with your unwanted pieces.
-
What I Wear to Work: Emily Tisch Sussman
The podcast host of 'She Pivots' embraces brights, patterns, and pieces from her past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
-
It’s Time to End Equal Pay Days and Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
The passage of the ERA is a chance for our country to prove it truly values women.
-
In Conversation: Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Emily Tisch Sussman
“It’s ridiculous that we’re the only advanced nation on the planet that doesn’t help families with childcare.”
