A Colorado House committee has rejected an attempt to regulate abortion facilities in the state, something some fear could have disrupted access to abortions.
Under the bill, doctors performing abortions would have to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. And their facilities would have to meet specific design criteria. In other states, similar regulations have forced clinics to close.
Colorado Springs Gynecologist Diane Foley argued the bill would bring abortion providers in line with same-day surgical facilities.
"There are a whole list of requirements that if you are going to do surgery, these are the things that you need to abide by," Foley said.
Denver Doctor Jennifer Hyer who, specializes in women’s health services, including abortions, testified that the bill was unnecessary and would make it harder for women to get abortions.
"By limiting access and increasing cost, you are making things more unsafe in my opinion," Hyer said.
The state Department of Public Health and Environment also opposed the measure, saying Colorado doesn’t regulate medical facilities based on one specific procedure they perform.
The bill failed, with all of the committee’s Democrats voting against it. One Republican joined them because the measure wasn’t a full abortion ban.
