MIDDLETON, Wis. -- The governing body of the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics on Wednesday approved a plan to allow certain late-term abortions at an outpatient clinic.

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After hearing three hours of emotional testimony from supporters and opponents Wednesday, the board voted 11-3 for the plan to provide abortions on women 19 to 22 weeks pregnant at the Madison Surgery Center.

UW Hospital, the UW Medical Foundation and Meriter Hospital are proposing the plan in the wake of the December retirement of a Madison abortion doctor. In his absence, the Madison area does not have a provider who will perform abortions after 19 weeks.

Supporters told board members the procedures are necessary to terminate pregnancy for a number of reasons, including fetal abnormalities, rape and incest.

"Even if we become much better at preventing unwanted pregnancies, there will always be women who need second-trimester abortions. There will always be women who will encounter dangerous pregnancy complications and need to terminate to protect their life and health," said Pam Scott, of Planned Parenthood.

"What I do want you to remember is as far as science goes, when an egg and a sperm come together, that's a unique human being. There's nothing different about their chromosomal makeup than when they're 87," said Dr. Todd Miller, of Pro Life Wisconsin.

Speakers also debated over the legality and morality of late-term abortions.

"Your charge, it seems to me, is to determine the relatively narrow question whether the provision of this safe, legal medical procedure is viable to the comprehensive delivery of health care services in this community," said Meg Gaines, a law professor.

"If something is legal, does that make it right? Or good? History reminds us that everything that has been legal has not been good. If Abe Lincoln had not made the efforts to end slavery, where would we be now?" said Karla Dickmeyer, an OBGYN at Meriter Hospital.

The divisive debate Wednesday drew hundreds who hoped to have their voices heard. The room remained calm, but some grew more emotional after a decision was made.

"It ensures the death of babies," said Deacon Jack Fernan, of the Diocese of Madison. "We understood previously that obstetrical care in the state of Wisconsin was for the life of the mother and the baby -- do no harm to either -- and today the decision was that we will kill babies."

"We are very, very gratified that this board recognized that women's health and lives are really on the line here and really stepped up to fulfill a need and really stood up for the women of Wisconsin," said Chris Taylor, of Planned Parenthood.

An anesthesiologist at the Madison Surgery Center said the fact that so many staff members object to the proposal must be considered.

"Morale is now at an all-time low at (Madison Surgery Center) because many staff (members) have been tormented by the thought of these abortions being done at their facility," said Dr. Nancy Fredericks, of the Madison Surgery Center.

UW Health released a statement on the board's decision Wednesday.

"Without local availability of this service, Madison-area women will be forced to obtain this procedure elsewhere and may obtain it under conditions that do not meet current medical standards," the statement said. "The concerned physicians who brought this issue forward and UW Health and Meriter leaders believe there is a public need to provide these procedures."

The Madison Surgery Center Board must grant final approval for the plan.

Anti-abortion advocates said their protests will continue. Those defending abortion as a medical right said they hope their voice will be heard.