Full Breakdown
Planned Parenthood Sues Ohio Health Department Over Delayed Ownership Transfer
7/20/2026, 9:18:15 PM
Lawsuit and Alleged Delay
In January 2025, Planned Parenthood bought the Women’s Med Center in Dayton, a facility previously owned by Dr. Martin Haskell, the inventor of the dilation-extraction (D&X) abortion procedure. The organization filed the required ownership documents promptly but says the department has “been sitting on that paperwork ever since, and we’re tired of waiting.” Planned Parenthood seeks a court finding that the Ohio Department of Health is in contempt and requests fines, corrective action, or possible jail time for responsible officials.
Licensing History of the Dayton Clinic
The Women’s Med Center’s license was revoked in 2014 for failing state health and safety standards. After two unsuccessful appeals and two Ohio Supreme Court defeats, the department approved a new license in 2019 when the clinic created a new corporate entity and secured a transfer agreement with a local hospital. The transfer agreement is deemed essential for continuity of care during medical emergencies. The facility has a documented history of injuries to women, according to the commentary.
Official Statements & Responses
Planned Parenthood’s president and CEO, Nan Whaley, asserted that the delay forces reliance on Dr. Martin Haskell to retain his license until the transfer is completed, describing the situation as “unsustainable” and “unfair.” The Ohio Department of Health has not released any comment on the lawsuit.
Criticism of Planned Parenthood’s Role
The commentary argues that Planned Parenthood’s primary services are birth control and abortion, serving only about 2 % of U.S. women of reproductive age, and characterizes abortion as “not health care.” It suggests the organization’s reliance on a facility with a controversial history raises concerns about patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We purchased Women’s Med Center in Dayton more than 18 months ago and promptly filed our change of ownership documentation with the department,” — Nan Whaley, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
- “They’ve been sitting on that paperwork ever since, and we’re tired of waiting.” — Nan Whaley
- “The delay has forced us to rely on the kindness of the previous Women’s Med Center owner, Dr. Martin Haskell, by requiring him to maintain his license until the state transfers ownership to us,” — Nan Whaley
- “Managers Reveal Planned Parenthood is Not Real Health Care The Bottom Line: The Ohio Department of Health has not released any comment.” — Commentary summary (no direct speaker)
