Press Packet for 6.20.2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016
Beth Vanderkooi
GCRTL Opposes Special Protections for Abortion Businesses
COLUMBUS – Columbus City Council is poised to enact municipal ordinance 1458-2016. Once enacted, the proposed law will create special protections for those businesses engaged in abortion and other “reproductive health care” services. The new law will duplicate several provisions already found in current city, state, and federal statutes but will include new provisions for those who are found guilty of the new crimes following and harassing individuals within fifteen feet of the premise or property line of abortion clinics.
In a draft of testimony prepared for tonight’s city council hearing, Greater Columbus Right to Life (GCRTL) executive director Beth Vanderkooi outlined some reasons why the organization believes the ordinance to be unconstitutional and unnecessary, saying:
“At best, the enactment of 1458-2016 will have a chilling effect on our ability to exercise free speech in Columbus. At worst, it will subject us to a confusing, arbitrary, and redundant set of laws which could entrap us in the shadows and penumbras of undefined words like 'annoy' and 'inconvenience.' We will be hard-pressed to offer clear guidance as to what is and is not acceptable within the fifteen-foot parameter, forcing us to recommend that those not wanting to risk becoming criminals be fully exiled beyond this 15-foot bubble.”
Vanderkooi added, “If there are any bad actors or individuals engaged in bad actions, Columbus should first enforce existing laws that already protect all citizens in all public places. Rioting, failing to disperse, disorderly conduct, inducing panic, assault, and community noise ordinances could, but have not, been used to address any legitimate public safety concerns by businesses, neighbors, and the staff and patients of an abortion clinic.”
Vanderkooi also highlighted that the proposed ordinance will give special protection to a class of businesses and noted that at least one of the two abortion clinics located in Columbus are unlikely actors to receive such special treatment. Ms. Vanderkooi cited:
The organization’s testimony also notes that the organization has filed a letter of complaint with Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs after an officer made misleading statements at a city council hearing on June 14th. The officer's statements at city council further indicated that she had assured patients that it was not true that the physician referenced above was a sexual offender.
The testimony also indicated that GCRTL will deliver thousands of postcards and letters from the community opposing the legislation.
June 20, 2016
Beth Vanderkooi
GCRTL Opposes Special Protections for Abortion Businesses
COLUMBUS – Columbus City Council is poised to enact municipal ordinance 1458-2016. Once enacted, the proposed law will create special protections for those businesses engaged in abortion and other “reproductive health care” services. The new law will duplicate several provisions already found in current city, state, and federal statutes but will include new provisions for those who are found guilty of the new crimes following and harassing individuals within fifteen feet of the premise or property line of abortion clinics.
In a draft of testimony prepared for tonight’s city council hearing, Greater Columbus Right to Life (GCRTL) executive director Beth Vanderkooi outlined some reasons why the organization believes the ordinance to be unconstitutional and unnecessary, saying:
“At best, the enactment of 1458-2016 will have a chilling effect on our ability to exercise free speech in Columbus. At worst, it will subject us to a confusing, arbitrary, and redundant set of laws which could entrap us in the shadows and penumbras of undefined words like 'annoy' and 'inconvenience.' We will be hard-pressed to offer clear guidance as to what is and is not acceptable within the fifteen-foot parameter, forcing us to recommend that those not wanting to risk becoming criminals be fully exiled beyond this 15-foot bubble.”
Vanderkooi added, “If there are any bad actors or individuals engaged in bad actions, Columbus should first enforce existing laws that already protect all citizens in all public places. Rioting, failing to disperse, disorderly conduct, inducing panic, assault, and community noise ordinances could, but have not, been used to address any legitimate public safety concerns by businesses, neighbors, and the staff and patients of an abortion clinic.”
Vanderkooi also highlighted that the proposed ordinance will give special protection to a class of businesses and noted that at least one of the two abortion clinics located in Columbus are unlikely actors to receive such special treatment. Ms. Vanderkooi cited:
- Employing a gynecologist whose license was revoked after he pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of minors. The gynecologist’s license was returned after meeting medical board and legal sanctions, but was permanently surrendered in June of 2014. The doctor was indicted in 2014 for child pornography.
- Unpaid city income taxes on city income once estimated at approximately $1.2 million.
- Clinic management believed to have employed locally and at other clinics a physician currently under investigation for a pill-mill.
The organization’s testimony also notes that the organization has filed a letter of complaint with Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs after an officer made misleading statements at a city council hearing on June 14th. The officer's statements at city council further indicated that she had assured patients that it was not true that the physician referenced above was a sexual offender.
The testimony also indicated that GCRTL will deliver thousands of postcards and letters from the community opposing the legislation.
Supporting Documentation
- Michaelis Medical Record (Ohio Medical Board - Sexual Offender employed at Founders)
- Clinic Owner Owes Back Taxes (GCRTL Blog, multiple citations listed)
- Ohio Medical Board Letter to Burkons (OMB, Abortiondocs.org)
- Ohio Department of Health Letter to Revoke NE Ohio License (Ohio Department of Health)
- Note that the letter was delivered to the owner of Founders regarding the clinic licensed at 2127 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. The same clinic is now operated by Dr. Burkons.