state of Virginia is the latest to impose more restrictions on abortion, with the Virginia Board of Health voting Friday to require abortion clinics to meet tougher, hospital-style building standards.
The board voted 11-2 for the new restrictions. Opponents of the move say they fear these standards could force some of the state's abortion clinics to close.
The new requirements will go to Virginia's governor and attorney general for review, but there is no timetable for a final decision.
In the past few weeks, four other states have adopted stricter regulations for abortion. Critics say the states' laws restrict a woman's right to an abortion.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case legalized abortion until a fetus is "viable"-- usually determined to be after 22 to 24 weeks of development.
The board voted 11-2 for the new restrictions. Opponents of the move say they fear these standards could force some of the state's abortion clinics to close.
The new requirements will go to Virginia's governor and attorney general for review, but there is no timetable for a final decision.
In the past few weeks, four other states have adopted stricter regulations for abortion. Critics say the states' laws restrict a woman's right to an abortion.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case legalized abortion until a fetus is "viable"-- usually determined to be after 22 to 24 weeks of development.