A state Senate committee is scheduled to vote in one week on a bill that would establish tighter regulations for abortion clinics.
The Senate Health Committee heard public comments on the bill Wednesday and set a vote for next Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin of Pelham, has already cleared the House. A favorable vote by the Senate committee would send the bill to the full Senate for a final vote.
Under the bill, doctors who perform abortions would be required to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.
The bill would also require clinics to make major building modifications. Opponents say that may cause clinics to close.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
