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CINCINNATI (AP) — The last hospital in the Cincinnati area that allowed doctors to perform abortions after a fetal anomaly diagnosis has implemented a policy prohibiting that option.
Christ Hospital in Mount Auburn stopped permitting physicians from performing those abortions about two months ago, according to a policy obtained by The Cincinnati Enquirer (http://cin.ci/1WNVIrF). The policy took effect in November and allows doctors to terminate pregnancies only "in situations deemed to be a threat to the life of the mother," which is in line with practices at the region's four other hospital systems.
Women seeking that option must now travel outside of the Cincinnati area or seek an appointment at Planned Parenthood, the newspaper reported.
"The cases are highly emotional and tragic," said Danielle Craig, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. "Under these circumstances, for many patients, an overnight stay in a hospital is better than an outpatient procedure, and women should have that option."
Christ Hospital had failed to report its abortions to state officials, as required by state law, the newspaper found. The hospital has since told the state it performed 59 abortions in the last 5½ years.
A spokeswoman wouldn't discuss with the newspaper the hospital's previous practices or whether it had allowed abortions in the case of fatal fetal anomalies.
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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com
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