New Rules Regulate Va. Abortion Clinics

After Virginia lawmakers reclassified abortion clinics as hospitals last year, Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed new temporary rules and regulations into law that the head of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia called a "political sneak attack on women's health."

Clinic operators and abortion-rights groups say the new rules could cause many of the state’s abortion clinics to close, while lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates argue the changes will make them safer, reports the Washington Post.  

The new rules -- which will be in place for one year until permanent ones are developed, according to The Virginian-Pilot -- create new requirements for inspections, medical procedures and recordkeeping that are in line with hospitals. Previously, abortion clinics in Virginia were treated as doctor’s offices under the law.