NASHVILLE — Legislation that would place licensing restrictions on all seven of Tennessee’s abortion clinics was overwhelmingly approved by state lawmakers Tuesday and sent to the governor.
Under the measure, facilities or physician offices would have to be licensed as ambulatory surgical treatment centers if they perform more than 50 abortions in a year. All of the state’s clinics fall into that category.
Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life, called the measure ‘‘a common sense requirement that abortion facilities be licensed and inspected the same as any other ambulatory surgical center,’’ after the House’s vote of 79-17. That came a week after the Senate passed it, 28-4.
Also Tuesday, the House voted 79-18 for a proposal that would require a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion. The Senate passed the measure, 27-5.
The Tennessee bills aim to restore abortion laws that were struck down by a state Supreme Court decision in 2000.
Opponents say the proposals place an undue burden on women.