The legislation’s backers claim it will help rural areas in Mississippi without hospitals or other health-care providers. Rep. Adrienne Wooten (D-Jackson) asked Rep. Sam Mims (R-McComb), why the emergency-room bill included language regarding abortion during its presentation. Mims stated that the language was already in state law and that it would not alter any existing abortion regulations. The bill was passed by 81 to 34. The bill text contains new language that states that any abortion facility that opens after June 30, 1996 shall not be located within one mile five hundred (1,500 feet) of any property where any school, church or kindergarten is located.” Diane Derzis owns the last Mississippi freestanding abortion clinic and believes that the bill will change the state law, even though it would not affect her Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Derzis submitted the legislation to her lawyers for their review. Derzis, an ex-lobbyist from Alabama, stated that “Something’s wrong here.” Jackson Women’s Health Organization fought against a 2012 state law that required doctors working at abortion clinics freestanding to be admitted at a local hospital. This case is currently before U.S. Supreme Court. The Alabama Senate passed a similar bill on March 22. It would have prohibited the state from licensing abortion centers within 2,000 feet from a K-8 school. A lawsuit was filed in 2014 against an abortion clinic which moved to Huntsville’s residential area. After a temporary closure, the clinic was able continue to operate. Sen. Terry Burton (R-Newton), who sponsored the Mississippi legislation, did not receive a message Monday evening. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. It will only take about 1-2 minutes to complete this survey. Republish this Story