House panel approves abortion measures
- Article
- Comments (0)
SPRINGFIELD — A House committee Tuesday approved a measure from state Rep. Tom Morrison, a Palatine Republican, that would make abortion clinics and other facilities match the same standards as surgical centers.
Supporters say the plan is needed to protect women from unsanitary facilities. But opponents question the need and argue the standards could force the closure of many abortion clinics.
The changes would include larger hallways and doorways and other modifications to accommodate major medical equipment.
The House committee approved the measure by a 12-2 vote, sending the proposal to the full House.
“We should all be together for helping women when they come into the clinic,” said Dawn Behnke, legislative director for the Illinois Federation for Right to Life.
But opponents say the additional cost to accommodate the bill could close down facilities across the state. They also question the necessity of such changes.
David Cavalho, deputy director of the state’s Department of Public Health, said the requirements would not be medically necessary for abortion clinics.
“The existing regulations work,” he said.
A similar plan was introduced last spring by Naperville Republican Rep. Darlene Senger, but was rejected by the Illinois House.
This year’s proposal by Morrison, who opposes abortion, was considered by the House Agriculture committee, leading critics to question why a panel that typically deals with livestock and farming would handle major abortion legislation.
The committee also approved another abortion-related proposal by a 11-2 vote to require abortion providers to ask the woman if she wants to see the ultrasound prior to the procedure.
