Pennsylvania abortion providers and clinics have been granted a six-month extension in order to comply with a new law requiring them to meet the same state health department standards as traditional free-standing healthcare facilities.
In the meantime, the state’s 22 abortion providers, including nonprofit and for-profit operations, will be given provisional licenses to allow them to continue providing services, the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Tuesday.
When the law was passed earlier this year, abortion-rights advocates feared it would force many of the providers to close their doors due to the high cost of making renovations and changes. But so far, only one provider has closed down, the Post-Gazette noted.
The new law, which took effect Tuesday, requires clinics to expand operating rooms and parking lots, and install washable ceilings and sprinkler systems in every room.
In addition, they must include hospital-style elevators if necessary and have outside access that can accommodate ambulances.
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