Beverly Hills Reaches Agreement on Permits to Open Reproductive Health Clinic After Unexpected Lawsuit
The state of California has reached a stipulated judgment with Beverly Hills regarding claims of alleged obstruction of a reproductive health clinic that provides abortions.
The California Department of Justice had launched an investigation against the city government, including the Beverly Hills mayor. It accused the city of delaying permits and attempting to influence the property owner to prevent the reproductive health facility from opening.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed astonishment at the situation, noting that California has long been a stronghold for reproductive rights. In an interview, Bonta warned that "anti-reproductive freedom actions don't just happen ... in red states that are cracking down on reproductive health care."
Obstructing Reproductive Rights?
According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County, government officials complained about the potential for protests and negative publicity surrounding the Clinic, which already has another institution operating in a separate location.
However, when the Clinic secured a lease in Beverly Hills, fellow property tenants and officials voiced concerns at city council meetings.
Controversy From the Start
DuPont Clinic was set to open in 2022. Prior to opening, it warned the landlord that the Clinic could be subject to controversy. As renovations began, anti-abortion advocates began protesting around the building.
In response, city officials threatened to notify other tenants in the building of possible safety concerns, leading the landlord to end the lease.
This led to the state Department of Justice to investigate whether the city portrayed the services offered by the Clinic as problematic and potentially disruptive. The lawsuit alleged that the City Attorney had delayed the approval of the Clinic's permits because of the Clinic's services, including abortion services at later stages of pregnancy. The lawsuit alleged this violated state constitutional protections regarding reproductive rights.
What Happens Now?
As part of the agreement between Beverly Hills and state officials, the city will implement measures to educate officials regarding local, state, and federal reproductive legislation and protections and report compliance with such actions to the Attorney General.
Despite the settlement, Beverly Hills denies committing any wrongdoing or violating any laws.
The Clinic will not have to pay any fines, and the city's mayor has committed to fully cooperating with the clinic's opening. He added that the city already has several medical facilities that provide the same services.
Related Resources:
- California Abortion Laws (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Georgia Court Strikes Down Abortion Ban Again (FindLaw's Courtside)
- State Abortion Laws (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
