The Democratic governor is also looking for ways to soften or suspend the rules to keep clinics open during the health board’s review, which could take more than two years. The General Assembly approved the regulations in 2011; they are set to take effect as early as June.
McAuliffe left unclear how quickly the board might act or what the immediate implications for the state’s 18 clinics would be. But his action puts the polarizing issue of abortion back on the front burner in Richmond. It also fits a pattern quickly established by a new governor who won office preaching bipartisanship but has had little luck wooing Republicans: trying to sidestep an adversarial legislature to promote a highly partisan agenda.
Since taking office in January, McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) have bucked lawmakers on same-sex marriage and immigration, and they have been exploring whether there is a way to get around the GOP-dominated House’s opposition to expanding Medicaid.
McAuliffe promised throughout last fall’s race to undo the year-old clinic regulations, which were imposed under his predecessor, Robert F. McDonnell (R).
