Michigan law, requiring licensing, could close abortion clinics
December 31, 2012
A new state law in Michigan, which requires abortion clinics to obtain licenses as certified surgical facilities, could force the closing of some clinics.
The law, which takes effect March 31, requires abortion clinics to meet the same standards as other surgical facilities, allowing access for emergency equipment. Planned Parenthood leader Lori Lamerand has complained that the law is unduly intrusive, since most women are able to leave the facility without assistance after an abortion.
However, due to complications and botched abortions, some women do require emergency services, and the Michigan law requires that clinics allow access for gurneys. Planned Parenthood—which in other cases has argued that pregnancy-help facilities should be medically licensed—opposes the safety measures.
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Posted by: unum -
Dec. 31, 2012 5:27 PM ET USA
Planned Parenthood tried the same tactics in Virginia, claiming that licensing abortion clinics was anti-woman and an attempt to shut the clinics down. They rejected the notion that women are entitled to the same quality of healthcare as other surgical patients. It didn't work in Virginia either!
