Cincinnati abortion clinic granted variance

COLUMBUS — A Mount Auburn abortion clinic has received permission to continue operating despite not having a required transfer agreement with a nearby hospital for emergencies.

A Department of Health spokesman says its director granted a variance Friday for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. He says that was the end of the 60-day window for a decision under a law that took effect this fall.

Instead of a hospital agreement, the facility listed four backup physicians.

In a letter first obtained by The Associated Press, Ohio’s health director says the variance expires May 31, meaning the facility would have to apply again in four months.

The facility’s spokeswoman, Danielle Craig, says it is pleased by the variance approval but maintains that the hospital agreement requirement and other recent state changes are unconstitutional.