Michigan's governor signs into law changes that may force some abortion clinics to close

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law abortion regulations supporters say protect women but opponents denounce as a backdoor assault on the right to terminate pregnancy.  Critics contend the new regulations on clinics could force some of them to shut down.

The Republican governor who has said he opposes abortion signed the contentious measures Friday that passed the Legislature this month.

It requires facilities where at least 120 abortions are performed annually to obtain a state license as a freestanding outpatient surgical facility. Patients would have to undergo counseling with a health professional to make sure they aren't being forced to get an abortion.

Snyder also vetoed legislation he originally sought to end Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's tax-exempt status and turn it into a customer-owned nonprofit. He objects to provisions added by lawmakers preventing insurers from providing elective abortion coverage to employees.