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Maine Senate Kills Bill Requiring Abortion Clinics to be Licensed

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Senate has defeated a contentious bill that would place new regulations on abortion clinics in the state.

The Republican-led Senate voted 21-14 against the bill on Friday. It was rejected in the Democratic-controlled House last month.

Republican Rep. Deb Sanderson's bill would require the three outpatient abortion clinics in Maine to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services. It would allow the department to write the operational and safety standards for the facilities.

Supporters said the state should have more oversight to ensure abortions are done safely.

But opponents accused them of seeking to close clinics and restrict access to abortions. They said that doctors who perform abortions are already licensed and clinics that receive federal funding must also follow federal regulations.