Abortion bill would require admitting privileges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Senate Republican on Monday filed a proposal that would require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals if they perform abortions in Florida.

The proposal (SB 920), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, is similar to a bill (HB 147) filed in December by Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola Beach.

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Under Stargel's bill, dubbed the "Women's Health Protection Act," doctors who perform abortions would be required to have admitting privileges at hospitals 30 miles or less from where the abortions take place.

Similar proposals have touched off battles in other states. Supporters say such proposals help ensure patient safety, while critics contend the requirements are designed to make it harder to provide abortions.