Governor Bob McDonnell has approved new abortion clinic regulations for Virginia that critics say will put clinics out of business. McDonnell approved the new guidelines Thursday after the state Board of Health voted 12-1 earlier this year to adopt them.
McDonnell's office calls the new rules "common-sense" regulations that will help ensure the safety and well-being of patients. The regulations require existing clinics to meet the same strict building standards as new hospital construction.
The change was approved last winter by the General Assembly.
This is always a controversial topic. We have been on the phones and sending out e-mails, getting feedback and response on these new rules.
One of the organizations that may be affected here in Charlottesville is Planned Parenthood. Jessica Bearden, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson tells us in a written statement: "...these politically motivated regulations are medically unnecessary, do not adequately protect patient privacy, and could cause high-quality health centers to close. This puts Virginia women's health at risk."
She continues with: "We will fully comply with the regulations that have been promulgated. Our first priority is our patients and we will take the necessary steps to continue to provide vital health care services to the women who rely on us."
The original statement did not say whether or not the branch here in Charlottesville will be in jeopardy of shutting down.
Some medical experts who advised state health officials on the development of the regulations suggest that political concerns, not safety problems, were behind the crackdown. They say some of their key recommendations were not followed.
The American Civil Liberties Union says it's assessing legal options now that Governor McDonnell has approved new abortion clinic regulations. The ACLU says the rules were put in place based on political ideology and not because of women's health. The group is fighting tougher rules on abortion clinics in other states too, including Ohio and North Carolina.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
