Va. board approves tougher abortion clinic rules

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Board of Health on Friday approved abortion clinic regulations that include strict building standards that abortion-rights supporters say are aimed at closing down the centers.

"Shame! Shame! Shame!" some critics shouted as board chairman Bruce Edwards tried to gavel them into silence and a police officer ushered them out of the packed meeting room.
"You're killing innocent women," one demonstrator shouted.

The board voted 13-2 to enact the regulations, including a hotly contested provision that requires Virginia's 20 existing abortion clinics to meet the same architectural standards as new hospitals. Opponents claim the provision is intended to put clinics out of business, although state Health Commissioner Karen Remley told the board that all have already been inspected and none have indicated they will close.