Abortion-rights supporters met with Gov. Bob McDonnell's policy advisers to urge the governor to reject proposed abortion clinic regulations.

The regulations adopted by the state Board of Health in September will take effect Dec. 31 if signed by the governor.

Critics say the regulations would force clinics to meet the same
strict building guidelines as newly constructed hospitals, and would force most Virginia abortion facilities to close.

Representatives of the Virginia Coalition to Protect Women's Health on Thursday presented the administration with petitions containing the signatures of more than 40,000 opponents of the regulations.

The General Assembly passed legislation last winter requiring
abortion clinics to be regulated like hospitals.

Proponents say the goal is patient safety, while opponents say the real motive is to limit access to abortions.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)