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Prediction: Two Of Three Abortion Clinics To Close

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland says two of Oklahoma's three abortion providers could be shut down under a bill signed into law last week by Gov. Mary Fallin. The measure takes effect November 1.

The new law requires clinics to have a physician with admitting privileges at a nearby hospital present when an abortion if performed.  Planned parenthood says Reproduction Services in Tulsa is the only abortion provider in the state that meets the requirement.

Planned Parenthood staff attorney Tamya Cox tells the Tulsa World that abortion providers in Oklahoma City and Norman don't currently have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles, as required under the new law.

Republican Rep. Randy Grau, who sponsored the bill, says the requirement ensures that abortion providers are prepared for medical emergencies.

Public Radio Tulsa reports that the remaining provider worries it is next. Reproductive Services Tulsa is the only clinic that would remain open under the new law, but fears are that new laws in the coming years will end services there.

The state medical association opposes the new abortion law, as it generally opposes laws implementing a standard of care or overriding a doctor’s judgment.

There are court challenges in other states where similar laws have been passed. This coming week, a federal court will begin consideration of a challenge to a Wisconsin law while a trial is underway in Alabama, and a similar law in Mississippi is on hold while under consideration by a federal court there.

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