DHH Immediately Suspends License of New Orleans Abortion Clinic
Gentilly Medical Clinic for Women ordered to cease operations for violating state licensure regulations 

Thursday, May 26, 2011  |  Contact: Lisa R. Faust; (225) 342-7913 or (225) 252-3579 (cell)

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein Wednesday issued a license revocation for Gentilly Medical Clinic for Women and ordered the abortion facility to immediately cease performing abortions after an investigation found repeat violations that posed significant health and safety risks to clients. The Gentilly abortion facility is currently appealing a separate license revocation action instituted by the Department in January 2010. That action was based on a determination of the facility's substantial failure to comply with the minimum standards for licensure of abortion clinics.     

The immediate suspension came under a new law signed last year by Gov. Bobby Jindal that gives the DHH Secretary authority to immediately suspend an abortion facility's license under certain circumstances. The new law, Act 490 of the 2010 Legislature by then-Rep. Fred Mills, had not been enacted when the Department initiated the January 2010 license revocation proceedings against the facility. 

"We take very seriously our responsibility to protect the health and safety of people receiving services in facilities licensed through our Department," Secretary Greenstein said. "This abortion facility continues to have significant repeated violations that put women at risk. We are thankful to have this law behind us to ensure we can take action when standards are not met."

The Department issued Wednesday's revocation action based upon a new survey of the facility conducted by DHH Health Standards on May 6, 2011. This most recent survey found the clinic, once again, to be in violation of standards for abortion clinic licensure. Specifically, the facility failed to provide nursing services to meet the needs of its patients and adequately monitor women in recovery following a procedure.  The Secretary determined that the facility's non-compliance and violations posed an imminent threat to the health, welfare or safety of the patients.

The abortion facility was notified of the revocation action and immediate suspension Wednesday morning.  

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.