After a six-month absence and much controversy, the only medical clinic in the region to perform abortions, has re-opened its doors.

The return of State College Medical Services (SCMS), 900 W. College Ave., has caused some debate.

The previous office, located on East Beaver Avenue, was closed last August following a five-year legal battle because the building's owner, HFL Corp. said it was unaware 'elective' abortions would be performed in the office space. Although the office has moved to a new location, the services offered have not changed.

"We are happily situated in the new space," said Sandra Wang, SCMS district manager. "We're looking to expand our services and educate the community."

Students and community members will have access to free condoms, pregnancy testing and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to pregnancy terminations at the new location, she said.

All doctors and support staff at the office are women.

Wang said free testing for HIV will resume in late January.

"We're happy to be back and happy to be working in the community," she said.

However, not all members of the community are enthusiastic about the office's return.

"We're disappointed," said Susan Rogacs, president of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation. "But for at least six months some babies were saved."

Rogacs explained her concern is not only for the fetuses, but also for the women who have abortions.

"The abortion business is no more regulated than a dental office," she said. "I am very concerned about both the babies' lives that will be killed, but also for the safety of the women."

Joanne Tosti-Vasey, a member of Centre Countians for Choice and the National Organization for Women, also expressed apprehension over SCMS reopening.

"I'm concerned about the safety of women if it remains owned by Steve Brigam," she said.

Brigam, who originally headed SCMS, had his license to practice medicine revoked in New York and Georgia, and has restrictions on practicing medicine in New Jersey and California.

"He gave up his license in Pennsylvania 10 years ago," Rogacs said.

Brigam does not practice medicine at the State College location, Wang said. She said SCMS is now under new management and is trying to change the perception of the office in the surrounding community.

"We uphold to the highest regulations of the state," Wang said. "We don't want to be viewed as the same office that we were six years ago."

Rogacs said she had no special plans for disputing the new location.

"We'll just continue the standard public protests," she said.