Abortion is a controversial topic that tends to polarize. An Orlando abortion clinic is adding to that controversy with a decision to offer discounted abortions to low-income, predominately Black women. Many are outraged and believe that the discount is motivated by greed.
According to DailyMail.com, “An Orlando abortion clinic ran by a controversial, unlicensed physician has outraged locals by offering discount abortions. The Orlando Woman’s Center, which was shut down in June and had all of its equipment seized, has brazenly thrown its doors back open – and even more boldly, it has begun circulating coupons for bargain-basement abortions on Sundays. The coupons offer a $50 discount for abortions performed on Sundays.”
Many in the community are offended and perplexed by the clinic’s offer. The clinic which has been the center of controversy before is offering the promotion to regain customers. According to a local station, WFTV, the clinic is open seven days a week and is working with borrowed equipment.
The clinic had to borrow the equipment because of an unpaid $36million medical malpractice judgment against it according to WFTV. The clinic has been accused of performing late trimester, illegal abortions.
The clinic’s director, Dr. James Pendergraft, has had his license suspended five times. Many speculate that the discount is an attempt to gain attention and new clientele and revenue for the clinic. Others contend that Pendergraft is taking advantage of women who may be in dire need, but don’t have the resources or means to seek treatment elsewhere. Yet, some are giving him the benefit of the doubt and argue that the discount will really help some poor women.
Even others question why, of all days, he is offering the discount on a Sunday which is often set aside for family and church in many Black communities.
It is still too early to tell if women will take advantage of the offer and how this will effect The Orlando Woman’s Center’s business and reputation in the community. If nothing else, it does have many questioning the clinic’s true motivations.
[AllChristianNews]