In a 77 to eight vote all local State Representatives of the Arkansas House have approved a measure requiring the state to suspend or revoke the license of abortion providers for any rule or law violation, a move that opponents say unfairly targets abortion providers.
The House Monday approved House Bill 1428 aimed at stiffening
regulations for the state’s abortion facilities. The measure now heads to the majority-GOP Senate.
The board would require the state to deny, suspend or revoke licenses to abortion facilities for violating any rule or law. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said those decisions are currently handled on a
case-by-case basis.
Under the measure, abortion facilities would be given 30 days to request a hearing. The Health Department could immediately suspend, deny or revoke a license if an investigation or survey finds the violation posed an imminent threat to a patient’s health, welfare or safety.
The legislation would also require the state to annually inspect abortion clinics and levy them a $500 license fee, which the state already does. In addition to facilities and equipment, inspectors would also be required to look at a “representative sample” of medical records and informed and parental consent signatures.
The lawmaker behind the bill says the move will protect women’s health. Planned Parenthood said it unfairly targets abortion facilities.
The measure is among several abortion restrictions advancing in the Arkansas Legislature months after Republicans expanded their majorities. Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson last month signed into law a ban on a common second-trimester abortion procedure.
The House on Tuesday is expected to take up a proposal banning abortions performed solely based on the mother’s desire to have a girl or boy. Seven other states have similar so-called sex selection abortion bans in effect.
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