Maryland Admitting Privileges Bill (SB 900)

SB 900 would require a physician who performs or induces an abortion to have admitting privileges at a hospital that is located within 15 miles of the facility where the procedure will be performed, and that provides obstetrical or gynecological services.  Before a physician can perform an abortion they would first be required to provide the woman with contact information for the closest hospital and contact information of the physician, health care provider or facility where the the abortion is taking place for assistance or support regarding the procedure.

Any person that violates this requirement would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $4,000.

As reported by RH Reality Check:

Proponents of admitting privileges laws charge that the legislation is based on safety, arguing that abortion providers should have an explicit contract with a hospital just in case something goes awry during the procedure. This anti-choice argument is based on no medical evidence: According to medical professionals, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures in the United States. Admitting privileges laws, the rules of which are not applied to other kinds of outpatient surgical centers, are instead a political tool to decrease abortion access, abortion proponents charge.

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