Gov. Bentley Signs Two Controversial Abortion Bills Into Law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has signed legislation into law that could shutter two of the state’s largest abortion providers.

Bentley’s office on Thursday confirmed the governor signed a bill to deny licenses to clinics within 2,000 feet of public elementary and middle schools.

He also approved a ban on a commonly used second trimester abortion procedure.

The law will shutter a Huntsville facility that was forced to move to its current location in 2013 to comply with new facility restrictions on abortion providers.

A Tuscaloosa facility could also be affected.

Proponents of the bill say the legislation is meant to shield children from anti-abortion protests.

Opponents say it’s simply a “new tool” to ban abortion outright.

Bentley said Wednesday he will always be a “pro-life individual.”