Arizona abortion rules expected to take effect Monday

A new abortion law goes into effect today in Arizona.  While on the surface, it may seem reasonable, opponents state that requiring a licensed physician to be present for various aspect of the procedure, including a physical exam prior to the surgery, will make it harder for women seeking an abortion due to the limited number of physicians willing to do the procedure in Arizona.  Until now, highly trained nurse practitioners, as well as physicians, were able to perform abortions in the state.

New restrictions on abortion are expected to take effect Monday following a ruling this week by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge.

Judge Donald Daughton ruled late Wednesday that Planned Parenthood could not amend a separate lawsuit in an effort to block provisions of a 10-year-old Arizona law from taking effect.

The law requires a licensed physician to participate in various aspects of the procedure, including a physical examination of the woman before surgery.

 Read more at The Arizona Republic