I have refrained from commenting on Emory’s now defunct abortion clinic at Grady other than to say that I supported Grady’s decision to shut it down.  Given its financial difficulties, Grady should be focused on treating injury, illness and disease, not elective procedures of any sort.

Several members of the House have been attempting to get answers from Grady and Emory about how the clinic was funded and operated.  They hit a stonewall earlier this week with the startling and wholly inaccurate declaration by Emory that it is not subject to state laws concerning the handling of public documents.

The House members have now called for audits, investigations and hearings.  Emory has responded by suggesting that these House members are interfering with the urgent effort to save Grady.  That is nonsense.  The problem is not with the questions, but with the refusal to answer them. 

Pro-life or pro-choice, surely we can all agree that questions about the funding of Grady deserve honest answers.  Evading those questions undermines confidence in the management of this public institution.  Unlawfully withholding documents raises even more unsettling questions.

Public funds come with accountability and no one is above the law.  These are two basic lessons that Grady and Emory must learn, and learn fast, if there is to be any hope of saving this hospital. 

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