ABC27 WHTM Gov. Corbett signs bill with new standards for abortion clinics

Gov. Corbett signs bill with new standards for abortion clinics

Gov. Tom Corbett signed legislation Thursday that imposes new regulations on abortion clinics.

Senate Bill 732 requires the state Department of Health to regulate abortion facilities in the same manner as ambulatory surgical facilities.

The department must also perform at least one unannounced inspection of each abortion facility annually.

The legislation was introduced following murder charges against Philadelphia abortion provider Kermit Gosnell.

A grand jury report in the case said the departments of Health and State failed to properly inspect Gosnell's clinic for nearly two decades, even after receiving complaints that he performed illegal abortions in unsanitary conditions and with the help of unlicensed workers.

Operators of clinics that perform abortions have said the new regulations could mean expensive facility changes and more staff.

Some have said they're not sure how they'll afford the cost, and point out that they're already subject to regulations and unannounced inspections.