Bill restricting abortion clinics goes to governor
Share with others:
HARRISBURG -- The state Senate on Wednesday approved controversial legislation to overhaul abortion clinic operations in Pennsylvania that was driven exclusively by the alleged murderous activities of a Philadelphia doctor.
The bill, which passed the House on Tuesday, cleared the Senate on a 32-18 vote in the final hours before the chamber adjourned for the holiday and goes to Gov. Tom Corbett for his signature.
Opponents say the changes mandated by the law, which tightens restrictions on 22 freestanding clinics that perform abortions and provide a range of women's health services, would effectively close clinics that have operated safely and without incident for decades by requiring costly physical plant and staffing changes.
During floor debate, proponents argued that the bill would protect the health and safety of women by ensuring an end to rogue abortion providers like Kermit Gosnell, who was indicted by a Philadelphia grand jury last January in the deaths of seven babies and one adult patient.
As one indication of the level of controversy over the legislation, the sponsor of the original bill -- Sen. Pat Vance, R-Cumberland, a former nurse and one of the few medical professionals in the General Assembly -- voted against it.
The bill would require clinics to comply with the same standards as ambulatory surgical facilities that perform procedures with a higher risk of complications than abortions.
The requirements will force clinics to retrofit current facilities or move into new facilities with hospital-grade elevators, bigger operating rooms, parking lots and driveways equipped to handle an ambulance.
They also would require the clinics to have a registered nurse on staff even when not performing abortions.
Clinics would have six months to comply with the regulations. They could also apply to the state Department of Health for waivers on the requirements.
First Published December 15, 2011 12:00 am
