Corbett signs controversial abortion facilities bill into law

Senate Bill 732, which requires abortion providers to meet the same standards as ambulatory care centers, could force some clinics to close.

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Corbett signs controversial abortion facilities bill into law

POSTED: Thursday, December 22, 2011, 1:27 PM

Gov. Tom Corbett today signed into law Senate Bill 732, a controversial measure that could make it significantly more expensive to provide abortions in the Commonwealth. Anti-abortion activists are calling it a major victory, noting that it will help avoid more shady practitioners like Philly's Kermit Gosnell

In summary, "This bill, effective in 180 days, amends the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L. 130, No. 48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act. It will require the Department of Health to regulate abortion facilities in the same manner as ambulatory surgical facilities, require the department to perform at least one unannounced inspection of each abortion facility annually, modify the definition of “abortion facility,” and makes other changes." Those improvements could include expensive (and many say extraneous) upgrades like installing elevators.

Pro-choice groups hve said this bill could raise the costs and limit access to aboritions in Philly and elsewhere. The Pennsylvania branch of National Organization for Women said "advocates for victims of domestic violence and rape vehemently oppose the bill as being devastating and dangerous for victims who require safe, legal health services."

 

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