[whmatthews]

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia took a big step Thursday toward eliminating most of the state's 21 abortion clinics, approving a bill that would likely make rules so strict the medical centers would be forced to close, Democrats and abortion rights supporters said.
Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican and Catholic, supports the measure and when he signs it into law, Virginia will become the first state to require clinics that provide first-trimester abortions to meet the same standards as hospitals. The requirements could include anything from expensive structural changes like widening hallways to increased training and mandatory equipment the clinics currently don't have.
While abortion providers must be licensed in Virginia, the clinics resemble dentists' offices and are considered physicians offices, similar to those that provide plastic and corrective eye surgeries, colonoscopies and a host of other medical procedures.

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[bravo269er]

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. I can see this being challenged by alot of people, and going to the courts.

[TDDance234]

Virginia will become the first state to require clinics that provide first-trimester abortions to meet the same standards as hospitals. The requirements could include anything from expensive structural changes like widening hallways to increased training and mandatory equipment the clinics currently don't have.

I think the way that it was worded was brilliant. They have to meet the same standards as hospitals. Can't argue with that, folks.

[bravo269er]

It may be brilliant, but you know somehow, someway someone will argue. I wonder if this is a precendent thats being set at the state level or if someone else has done this already.

[ATrain]

I am happy to see this law, protecting the lives of those who cannot protect themselves is a cause that I hold paramount.

[4everfsu]

I am happy to see this law, protecting the lives of those who cannot protect themselves is a cause that I hold paramount.

+1

[ALUmnus]

Keep in mind this does not stop abortions, it just makes it so more of them will have to be performed in a hospital or surgery center. It'll be like having outpatient surgery, as sad as that is.

[ATrain]

Keep in mind this does not stop abortions, it just makes it so more of them will have to be performed in a hospital or surgery center. It'll be like having outpatient surgery, as sad as that is.

True, but if we can't find a way to make illegal, might as well make it as hard as possible.