Stricter abortion rules ready for legislative floor votes

MGN

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Legislation with several new restrictions on abortions in Florida is ready for floor votes in both houses of the Legislature.

The bill (SB 1722) by Sen. Kelli Stargel got its final committee approval in the Senate Monday, while a similar House bill by Rep. Colleen Burton has already passed its committees.

Both Republican-sponsored bills require that a physician performing abortions in Florida have nearby hospital admitting privileges or that the clinic have a patient transfer agreement with a hospital. They prohibit public money for any medical service going to any organization, such as Planned Parenthood, that also performs abortions. They also toughen requirements for state inspections of abortion clinics.

Supporters argue the legislation would protect patients, while opponents say it simply aims to make abortions harder to get.

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