University of Chicago to close women's health clinic

The University of Chicago Medical Center says it's closing a women's clinic that serves thousands of people each year.

Medical center executives say the Women's Health Center on Chicago's South Side will close next month. The move comes as part of the university's efforts to scale back direct aid to the poor because of cost concerns.

Officials say the nationwide economic downturn means the university's hospital system must cut $100 million from its budget.

They say serious clinic cases will still be treated at the main hospital. Medical center spokesman John Easton says existing primary care providers in the area serve people well.

Mishka Terplan runs the women's health clinic and says closing it will result in disparities in the quality of health care.