Schuette Announces Closure of Two Abortion Clinics Operating Illegally without Proper Physician Ownership

Contact: John Sellek or Joy Yearout 517-373-8060

Agency: Attorney General

November 21,  2011  

         LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced the permanent dissolution of Health Care Clinic, of Delta Township, and the affiliated Women's Choice Clinic, of Saginaw, in response to a lawsuit filed by his office alleging the clinics were operating without the proper physician ownership required by State law.  According to an agreement submitted by Schuette and the clinics' owner and approved by Eaton County Circuit Court Judge Calvin E. Osterhaven, the clinics will permanently dissolve.  The clinics' owner, Richard Remund, as well as his wife and corporate officer, Margaret Remund, are banned from ever organizing another abortion clinic.

"Profit should never come before patient safety, and that's why state law requires medical facilities to be run by licensed medical professionals," said Schuette.  "Facilities that fail to follow this important safeguard should not be in business."

According to paperwork filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the clinics, which have been closed under temporary restraining order since Schuette filed suit on November 7, 2011, have now officially been dissolved.  A consent order approved in Eaton County Circuit Court today makes that dissolution permanent.

The lawsuit against the clinics was filed after an Attorney General investigation into allegations of improper medical records disposal at the clinics revealed evidence suggesting the clinics were not properly incorporated.  To ensure patient safety, state law restricts the organization of for-profit corporations that provide medical care services to licensed medical professionals only.  The clinics' owner, Richard Remund, and his wife, Margaret Remund, are not licensed medical professionals. 

Schuette noted evidence uncovered by investigators suggesting the improper disposal of medical records at the clinics has also been referred to the State Bureau of Health Professions for review.  Disposing of medical records improperly may subject the associated licensed medical professionals, physicians contracted to provide abortions at the illegal clinic, to disciplinary measures.

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