Virginia set to approve stricter rules for abortion clinics

Virginia health officials are poised to approve strict new rules for abortion clinics Friday amid massive opposition from pro-choice groups and a governor’s race with two candidates closely tied to the opposing sides.

Under the new guidelines, clinics would be required to meet the same building codes as hospitals, including bigger parking lots, wider hallways and larger operating rooms. Opponents of the measure say the changes would be burdensome and costly and could force many of the state’s 23 providers to close their doors.