The Virginia Board of Health is set to vote on abortion clinic regulations that proponents say will protect women's health and opponents say will put many clinics out of business.

The board will hear public comment on the temporary regulations
Thursday morning, then vote on them in the afternoon.

The General Assembly last winter passed legislation requiring
that clinics performing at least five first-trimester abortions per month be regulated like hospitals.

They currently are required to meet the same standards as doctors' offices that perform invasive procedures like colonoscopies.

The draft regulations specify the types of equipment and supplies that must be maintained. They also give facilities two years to comply with certain architectural standards.

If approved, the emergency regulations will remain in effect while permanent ones are drafted.

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