Inquirer: “Set standards for abortion clinics”

Feb 21, 2011 | 0 comments

The Philadelphia Inquirer published this Letter to the Editor on Feb. 20:

Set standards for abortion clinics

Abortion clinic inspections and regulation reform should be mandated by law, and not left up to the preferences of the sitting governor (“Pa. fires 6 in abortion clinic case,” Wednesday). What’s alleged to have happened in the clinic of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell is a lack of public safety at its worst.

Gov. Corbett’s reforms are praiseworthy, but these standards were deemed unnecessary by the Ridge and Rendell administrations. Who is to say that a future governor won’t decide inspections are no longer necessary?

It’s common sense to make abortion clinics follow the same medical standards of hospitals and other surgical facilities. The legislature should pass laws that require abortion clinics to be regularly inspected and regulated just like any other hospital or outpatient surgical facility.