Bill Would Require Stricter Standards For Abortion Clinics

The Republican-led House lately has been pushing a free-market approach to health care, demanding that a host of regulations be lifted from hospitals and other health care providers.

Opponents of the bill say it would be particularly onerous for women in Eastern and Western Kentucky, who would have to travel to one of the state’s two abortion providers in Lexington or Louisville. Supporters say the regulations, which would be determined by the Agency for Health Care Administration, would help protect women who seek out abortions.

Another committee member, Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, scoffed.

“If a woman goes [to a clinic], they need to know their safety is paramount”, said Diaz.

The legislation would affect 44 clinics providing first or second trimester abortions in Florida.

The state Senate is set to vote on a pair of bills that would strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding and raise the organization’s Medicaid expenses.

Abortion rights advocates argue the requirement makes it harder for women to get an abortion. The new bill clarifies that patients must meet with doctors in person. Legislators passed the bill and Gov. Rick Scott signed it into law a year ago, but a judge stopped it from going into effect while the case continues.

About half of the state’s 41 clinics have closed and that number is expected to drop by half again if justices uphold the two provisions being challenged, industry watchers have said.

“The Florida Legislature’s actions are imprudent, wasteful and unconstitutional – there is simply no compelling reason to move forward with this legislation until the Supreme Court rules”, said Michelle Richardson, Director of Public Policy for ACLU of Florida. The 43rd anniversary of the ruling is Friday. “But I don’t see Rep. Trujillo’s bill as encouraging people to have back alley abortions”. The Senate approved the bill with no debate, with several prominent Democrats voting for it, including Senate Minority Leader Ray Jones of Pikeville.

The more moderate Florida Senate may not be eager to revive what has become an nearly annual battle over abortion rights.

Kentucky law requires that women meet with a doctor prior to an abortion.