Capital Care Network is challenging the Ohio Health Department's revocation of its license to operate.
The state requires all abortion clinics to have an emergency care agreement with a local hospital. These so-called "transfer agreements" would guarantee that a nearby hospital would accept an abortion patient should something go seriously wrong during termination of the pregnancy.
The Toledo clinic argues that shutting them down curtails a woman's right to choose and puts women at greater risk.
Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL ProChoice Ohio, agrees.
"Our concern primarily is for low-income women, women who don't have access to their own transportation. We are concerned that if they are not able to get to Ann Arbor or Cleveland or other communities to access safe healthcare that they may turn to desperate measures," Copeland says.
A Lucas County judge agreed to delay enforcement of the Health Department's directive while the case is on appeal. The Health Department has declined to comment during litigation. Appeal arguments are to be heard September 4th.