Alabama lawmakers passed a measure that tightens restrictions on abortion clinics and gives patients more information about their medications.
The House passed it 68-21; the Senate voted earlier in favor, 20-10, The Associated Press reported. The bill, dubbed the Women’s Health and Safety Act, now goes to Republican Gov. Robert Bentley for approval into law.
The pro-con arguments are predictable. Supporters say the new law will protect women while opponents argue it’s going to limit women’s right to abortion, AP said.
But what the bill says is this: Abortion clinics may only employ doctors who are legally allowed to send patients to hospitals that are located in the same city as the clinic. And abortion clinics must have wider halls and doors, as well as improved firefighting sprinkler and suppression systems, AP said. The bill also requires clinic officials to tell patients exactly what medications they are given.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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