Attorneys for a Norman abortion provider say he'll have to close his practice next week unless the Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks a law that takes effect Saturday. The new law requires abortion providers to have a physician with admitting privileges at a nearby hospital present when abortions are performed.
Attorneys for the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights told a Supreme Court referee Friday that Dr. Larry Burns has sought admitting privileges at several hospitals but has been denied. Burns performs 44 percent of all abortions in the state.
Attorneys for the state say it has an interest in helping women who experience complications during an abortion.
Court referee Daniel Karim says he will recommend a course of action to members of the state's highest court as soon as possible.
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