Pennsylvania’s New Abortion Clinic Bill

Listen

Hour 1

Pennsylvania’s state Senate passed legislation last week that places new restrictions on abortion clinics. The bill is largely in reaction to the horrific case of Kermit Gosnell, who ran an abortion clinic in West Philadelphia and has been charged in the deaths of seven babies and one adult patient.  The bill, which still needs the signature of Governor Corbett, requires the state’s 22 clinics to retrofit their facilities with hospital-grade elevators, larger operating rooms, and have a registered nurse on site even when abortions are not being performed.  Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of patients, but opponents believe they go too far and will result in clinic closures. Today we discuss the potential impact of the legislation with Pennsylvania State Representative MARGO DAVIDSON, who voted for the bill and whose cousin was a victim of Kermit Gosnell. We’ll also talk to JENNIFER BOULANGER, executive director of the Allentown Women’s Center; and TED JOYCE, a professor of Economics at Baruch College, CUNY.

Listen to the mp3

Listen:
[audio: 121911_100630.mp3]

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal