Pennsylvania Senate and House Pass Abortion Clinic Bills

On June 14, 2011, the state Senate passed legislation, by a vote of 38-12, that would apply ambulatory surgical facility requirements to abortion facilities performing abortions after nine weeks of pregnancy. Senate Bill 732 would also increase licensing and inspection regulations.

An amendment offered by Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Lehigh), which was approved by the Senate on June 8, 2011, added stricter regulatory language to the bill. The bill’s author, Sen. Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland-York) opposed the amendment saying that it would force freestanding abortion clinics to shut their doors.

House Republican spokesperson Steve Miskin said that his caucus would take a look at the bill, working with the Senate and Gov. Tom Corbett. With all eyes on the budget, there is no date set for this bill to be considered by the House.

The state House of Representatives recently passed its own bill, by a 148-43 vote, that would require any facility performing abortions to comply with the same fire, safety, and quality assurance standards that currently apply to freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities.

Introduced by Rep. Matthew Baker (R-Tioga) and passed May 11, 2011, House Bill 574 would apply to abortion clinics, hospitals, medical schools, and physicians’ offices. It has been referred the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee for its consideration.