WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderIllinois House committee approves tougher abortion regulations

Illinois House committee approves tougher abortion regulations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- An Illinois House committee has approved tougher regulations for centers that perform abortions and a requirement that women view an ultrasound or refuse in writing before getting an abortion.

The bills passed overwhelmingly in the Agriculture Committee and now go to the House floor.

Opponents objected to sending the measures to a committee that typically deals with livestock and hunting issues. Some wore "Women are not livestock" t-shirts.

Supporters of the bills say clinics should be regulated more strictly to protect women's health. They also say viewing an ultrasound picture of a fetus would help women make informed decisions.

The Illinois Department of Public Health opposed the additional clinic regulations as "misguided" and unnecessary.