Topeka ? Two bills sought by anti-abortion activists won tentative House approval Thursday.

One measure, advanced on a 76-43 vote, would set minimum health and safety standards for the state’s seven abortion clinics.

The clinics would be regulated by the Department of Health and Environment, which would establish equipment and space requirements. The bill also would require that each clinic have a licensed surgeon as its medical director.

Because most abortions are performed in an office or clinic, state law currently treats abortion clinics like doctors’ offices. They are regulated by the state Board of Healing Arts with no inspections required.

Supporters argue the bill would protect women’s health. Opponents argue that the new regulation would be unnecessarily burdensome.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a similar bill last session and has promised to do so again.

The other bill, advanced on a voice vote, would permit criminal prosecutions for attacking, injuring or killing a fetus.

The bill would not apply to abortion, other medical treatment or acts committed by a prospective mother against her own fetus. Kansas law does not currently allow prosecution for harming or killing a fetus.

The House approved a similar bill in 2002, but the Senate did not act on it.

Final action on both measures is expected Friday, when passage would send the measures to the Senate.

Clinic regulation is HB 2751. Protecting fetuses is HB 2552.

On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org