Bevin's cabinet files 'emergency' rules critics say will restrict abortion clinic licenses

In the midst of a heated court battle over abortion clinics, Gov. Matt Bevin's administration has filed "emergency regulations" critics say are designed to make it harder for Kentucky's last abortion provider, EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville, to get a state license.

The regulations, filed June 15 and which took effect immediately, also could derail efforts of Planned Parenthood to obtain a license to offer abortions at its clinic it opened last year in Louisville.

The regulations add new requirements to the "transfer agreements" that clinics must have with a hospital and ambulance service to transfer patients in the event of an emergency. Such agreements have been the basis of enforcement action against EMW and Planned Parenthood as the Bevin administration sought to block the clinics from offering abortions by alleging deficiencies with those agreements.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, in a document filed with the regulations, said the rules are needed to "minimize risks" in an emergency.

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2017/06/22/new-emergency-regulations-make-harder-get-licenses/420846001/