Topeka ? Supporters of a bill that would regulate Kansas’ abortion clinics say it will protect women’s safety, but opponents argue the measure is an attempt to limit access to the procedure.

“Abortion is an invasive procedure and things happen that can cause crisis quickly,” said Rep. Peggy Long, R-Hamilton, on Thursday as she testified before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

The bill’s critics told the committee abortion was one of the safest surgical procedures and the legislation would only drive up costs and keep women away from clinics. The committee heard testimony on the measure but took no action.

The bill, based on an Arizona law, establishes operating standards for the state’s seven abortion clinics.

The Department of Health and Environment would enforce the regulations. Clinics would be known as “abortion ambulatory surgical centers” and would be required to set aside areas for counseling and equipment for life support systems. Each clinic would also be responsible for follow-up care and would be required to have a licensed physician as medical director.

A similar measure passed the House last year but was not considered in the Senate. About 35 states have clinic regulation laws.

Kathy Ostrowski, a spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, said physicians often practiced unsafe abortion procedures with possibly fatal results. Ostrowski said if the bill were enacted, “Clinic licensing is a protection for Kansas women that will be automatic and not subject to the winds of political change.”

She said that, like other medical facilities, abortion clinics should be regulated.

But opponents said the bill unfairly targeted abortion clinics and wondered why the bill didn’t include all other outpatient surgical centers.

Kathy Ostrowski, spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, laughs while listening to the testimony of opponents of a bill that would regulate Kansas' abortion clinics. The hearing on the bill was Thursday at the Statehouse in Topeka.

Rep. Judy Loganbill, D-Wichita, questioned the bill’s motives, saying certain dental procedures were just as invasive as abortions.

Planned Parenthood said the bill did not have the benefit of women as its goal.

“We believe rather than increasing the safety of abortions, the ultimate aim is to drive up the cost and limit access to abortions,” said Planned Parenthood lobbyist Jennifer McAdam.

In written testimony, Dr. George Tiller, perhaps the state’s most well-known abortion provider, said the procedure was safer than most surgical procedures. Tiller’s Wichita clinic has long been the target of protests.

“Since those opposed to abortion have been, until now, unable to make abortion illegal, they seek to accomplish their goal of eliminating all abortions in Kansas by the restriction of physicians,” Tiller wrote.

Tiller cited state statistics showing that none of the 106 deaths in Kansas attributed to surgical and medical care between 1990 and 2001 were related to abortion. About 12,000 abortions are performed each year in Kansas, both sides said.

Some committee members wondered if the state department of health could adopt its own regulations without the bill. Rep. Rick Rehorn, D-Kansas City, said he was uncomfortable dealing with medical regulations as a legislator.