Pa. clinics to survive new standards for abortions

Pennsylvania state officials say they expect most of the state’s abortion clinics will remain open under a tougher law designed as a response to grotesque conditions discovered at a Philadelphia clinic two years ago.

The state Department of Health said Monday that nearly all of the 22 clinics are expected to meet new standards, although some may have to forego more complicated procedures.
Compliance has forced many of the clinics to renovate their buildings, buy new equipment and train their staff for what Suellen Craig of Planned Parenthood of Central Pennsylvania says are regulations that are unnecessary to provide safe abortions.

The law places the abortion clinics under the same standards as freestanding ambulatory surgical centers. Clinic operators note that they were already subject to regulations and unannounced inspections.