US abortion clinic may be on way to closing
(AP) — Health officials have inspected Mississippi's only abortion clinic, the first step in a process that could lead to its closure if a new state law survives a legal challenge.
Following Monday's inspection, the Mississippi Department of Health has 10 working days to issue its findings to the Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Clinic owner Diane Derzis said she expected to be cited for not complying with the law's requirement that physicians have privileges to admit patients to an area hospital.
More steps would have to follow before the clinic could be shut.
The clinic sued to block the law. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III issued a temporary order July 13 allowing the law to stand, but barred the state from issuing penalties while the clinic tries to comply.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
