The North Carolina Senate approved new limits on abortions Wednesday, defying opponents who complained that the Republican majority breached protocol by passing the restrictions less than 24 hours after their surprise introduction.

The proposed package of rules, which has yet to be considered by the House, would force abortion clinics to abide by regulations akin to those required of ambulatory surgical centers.

“I would consider it to be a common-sense measure and very rational,” said John L. Rustin, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, which supports the limits. “If you’re going to engage in surgical abortion procedures, you need to meet the same standards.”

But critics said the measure, which would also prevent health plans participating in the state’s insurance exchange from covering most abortions, threatened the availability of reproductive health services and would drive women toward alternative means to end their pregnancies.