NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Rules Found Tough Abortion Clinics

A survey of more than 250 abortion clinics found that 98% of them would be unable to comply with Illinois rules that are the subject of a federal court battle over how strictly states can regulate abortion clinics. The clinics are affiliated with the National Abortion Federation or Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which sponsored the survey by a Washington firm. Illinois regulations that govern surgical facilities range from specifying the size of hallways to requirements for elaborate heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the Illinois rules Dec. 5.