Hughes introduces legislation package in response to problems at abortion clinic
After shocking reports of late-term abortions and homicides from Dr. Kermit Gosnell’s West Philadelphia clinic came news that improper and infrequent inspections kept Gosnell in practice far longer than he should have been.
In response, Pa. Sen. Vincent Hughes has introduced a legislation package designed to hold medical practitioners and their government overseers accountable for what takes place in the clinics.
A state released today details four main points of Hughes’ proposal:
Increase the statute of limitations for infanticide and abortions performed after 24 weeks
Require annual inspections of medical facilities that provide abortion services and simplify the process for filing a complaint against these facilities
Ensure that investigations and inspections are conducted after a medical facility reports a “serious event” and clarify that the Department of Health is authorized to share the results of such an investigation with Department of State or law enforcement
Increase penalties for unauthorized practice of medicine
The bills aim to increase responsibility without making it more difficult for women considering abortion to seek medical care.
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