An Alabama-based abortion clinic that local pro-life advocates said was operating illegally, without a proper state license, has closed down. That makes the historic town of Selma, Alabama — home of the venerable civil rights activists –abortion free.
Earlier this year, pro-life advocates held a press event calling attention to suspected illegal activity occurring inside Central Alabama Women’s Clinic located at 1013 Medical Center Pkwy in Selma. Representatives from Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC) for Life, Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF), Operation Rescue, and the National Black Pro-Life Coalition called attention to how the Central Alabama Women’s Clinic needed to be investigated by the state health department.
According to Alabama regulations, any private practice performing more than 9 abortions a month must be licensed by the state. Those calling for the press conference confirm that Central Alabama Women’s Clinic is not a state-licensed abortion clinic, yet seems to be operating as one.
But now, the abortion clinic has closed. The Central Alabama Women’s Clinic is now operating as a weight-loss facility.
Fr. Terry Gensemer, Director of CEC For Life, told LifeNews.com he’s delighted by the news.
He said, “We are thankful that Dr. Samuel Lett has ceased abortions in Selma, as we know that this same kind of under-the-radar, illegal activity led to the horrors we saw in Kermit Gosnell’s Philadelphia clinic.”
Gensemer also reports that, though abortion practitioner Lett has ceased abortions, the coalition is still in communication with state officials regarding other ethical and legal violations that are disconcerting and require action.
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Catherine Davis, Founding Core Member for the National Black Prolife Coalition states, “The women of Selma and Alabama have won a victory with the closing of the illegal abortion operation of Samuel Lett. We do not know how many women lost their fertility, or even lives, at his hands. We are rejoicing, however, that our actions have resulted in the closure of this center.”
“It took teamwork to drive abortions out of Selma,” adds Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “This was a fine example of what can be accomplished with the spirit of unity and cooperation. We will continue to work together and push for complete assurance from the state that illegal abortion is dealt with in Alabama.”
Allison Aranda of Life Legal Defense Foundation acted as a legal consultant throughout the efforts to expose Lett’s misconduct. She adds, “Lett’s illegal operation may have come to an end, however, state officials still must hold him accountable for his numerous violations. Quietly ceasing to perform abortions does not dismiss Lett’s illegal conduct, nor should it.”
