RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The State Board of Health is considering whether to revisit Virginia’s hotly debated abortion clinic regulations. Dr. Marissa Levine, the new state health commissioner appointed by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, has recommended that the board amend the regulations established under the McDonnell administration. The board is expected to vote on that proposal Thursday. An affirmative vote would start a regulatory process that could take up to two years. The most controversial regulation in the package that took effect last year requires all abortion clinics to meet the same strict building standards as new hospitals. Abortion rights supporters say the requirement is designed to put existing clinics out of business. Abortion opponents say it’s intended to protect women’s health.
