MONTGOMERY, Ala.
At least one Alabama abortion clinic will be forced to move under a bill the state Legislature passed Wednesday.
The House of Representatives voted 73-19 for the legislation in the final hours of the 2016 session, sending it to the governor.
The bill prohibits the Department of Public Health from issuing or renewing licenses for clinics within 2,000 feet of any K-8 public school. Proponents of the legislation say the bill is to safeguard school children from anti-abortion protests outside of clinics.
"I don't feel like these types of facilities need to be anywhere near our children," Republican Rep. Ed Henry said.
If signed into law, the legislation will shutter an existing Huntsville facility.
The Alabama Women's Center for Reproductive Alternatives was forced to close its doors in 2013 to comply with new facility restrictions on abortion providers. The center remained closed for nearly four months before moving to its current location near two schools.
More at:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article75737112.html
