In a nearly-three hour hearing at the Department of Public Health in Montgomery Friday, a Birmingham woman testified that the former operator of New Woman All Women Health Care would not have a financial role if she is allowed to reopen Alabama's oldest licensed abortion clinic.
The Department of Public Health forced the Birmingham clinic to close in May citing several safety concerns.
Kelley Rain-Water's application to lease and reopen the clinic was originally denied because state health officials believe the clinic's former owner, Diane Derzis, would have financial ties.
"I want to provide women the options that they have a legal right to, and I want to provide them in one of the most historic clinics in the state," Rain-Water said.
It could take up to six weeks for the hearing officer to decide whether to uphold or overturn the decision.
