A Tallahassee abortion clinic will likely face bankruptcy and be put out of business if a state agency goes through with its assessment of a $193,000 sanction.
The hefty fine emerged after the Center of Orlando for Women became confused by the start date of a state law requiring a 24-hour delay before pregnancy termination.
“Respondent makes this election of rights and states that it disputes material allegations of fact in or relevant to the administrative complaint and wishes to have a formal hearing,” Attorney Julie Gallagher, who is representing the abortion clinic, wrote in her response to the allegations.
The state law requiring a 24-hour waiting period was finalized in April. However, the Center of Orlando for Women tried and failed to secure clarification from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as to its date of effectiveness, according to the Notice of Appearance and Election of Rights filed by the abortion clinic….