DOVER, Del. (AP) – State lawmakers have given final approval to a bill authorizing public health officials to investigate and inspect sanitation and safety conditions in health care facilities where invasive medical procedures are performed.


The legislation was prompted by the arrest of an abortion provider who is charged with murdering seven babies and one patient at a Philadelphia clinic, and who also saw patients in Delaware.


The House voted 29-to-9 on Thursday to approve the bill, which included a Senate amendment revising and clarifying the procedures for the adoption of regulations by the Division of Public Health.


While the bill does not mention the word “abortion,” supporters insist it would cover abortion providers, in addition to dentists and podiatrists.

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