Birmingham, AL - Pro-life groups around the country are celebrating today after the New Woman All Women (NWAW) abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, surrendered its license to the State Health Department Friday and ceased operations. "This is a huge victory that would not have been possible without the dedication of pro-life activists such as Fr. Terry Gensemer of CEC for Life, who tirelessly worked with Operation Rescue, Life Legal Defense, The Survivors, and others to make sure that this dangerous abortion mill closed for good. It is an example of what can be accomplished when pro-life groups work together toward a common goal," said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. "Without our combined work, this clinic would still be taking the lives of innocent babies today." The State ordered the closure after pro-life activists filmed two women being carried out of the run-down building to awaiting ambulances on January 21, 2012, and reported the incident to authorities. A 911 call obtained by the activists revealed that the abortion clinic had overdosed the women on a dangerous drug. When the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) investigated, they discovered 76 pages of deficiencies, including a third botched abortion victim. Many of the deficiencies were repeat violations. Another company, Ochata Management, LLC, attempted to apply for a license to keep the abortion clinic open, however, pro-life activists discovered connections between Ochata and the NWAW owner Diane Derzis. The consent order specifically prohibited Derzis from having any connections with the new owners. The ADPH rejected Ochata's license application, citing two lease agreements that would continue to give Derzis control of the abortion business and receive all of its profits. "We continue to remain vigilant and will actively oppose anyone who attempts to reopen this abortion clinic," said Newman. "But today, we celebrate." Background |