Following lengthy and often emotional debate Thursday, the Virginia Senate passed legislation that would tighten regulations on abortion clinics in the state, handing a major victory to pro-life advocates who have long pushed for such measures.
The legislation would classify as hospitals facilities in which five or more first-trimester abortions are performed per month, and direct the state Board of Health to promulgate regulations at women’s clinics offering abortion services.
The vote was 20-20, with lieutenant governor Bill Bolling casting the tiebreaking vote in favor of the measure. Gov. Bob McDonnell has indicated that he will sign it.
Abortion clinics in Virginia are currently regulated as outpatient clinics, similar to how oral or cosmetic surgery centers are regulated.
Proponents insisted that it is intended to protect women’s health.
“This is not about banning abortions in Virginia,” said Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Winchester. “It is simply asking for – it is simply caring for – women who are about to have an invasive surgical procedure.”
But those in opposition argued that the increased regulations would restrict access to those seeking abortions, shutter as many as 17 of the state’s 21 abortion clinics, and run into questions of constitutionality.
“This is a sad, sad day for the women of Virginia and our families,” said Sen. Janet Howell, D-Reston.
