After two committees in the Maryland Legislature failed to act on legislation that would regulate abortion clinics as ambulatory surgical facilities, the Maryland Department of Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is planning to draft its own regulations by July, according to the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC).
Leaders of the MCC said they will be invited to participate in the drafting process.
“While our lawmakers did not pass legislation providing certainty that all abortion clinics will be held to same health and safety standards as other outpatient surgical facilities, we will work to ensure that DHMH puts in place regulations that will protect the health and safety of women,” said Nancy Paltell, associate director for the MCC respect life department.
Paltell said it was encouraging to have a promise from the DHMH to regulate clinics, but she cautioned that it’s not clear which clinics will be regulated, what level of standards will be applied, and how the department will monitor compliance.
“We intend to hold their feet to the fire,” Paltell said.