A bill that would require a doctor to be present every time an abortion pill is dispensed or swallowed passed the House Thursday by a vote of 76-47.
The House signed off on an amended Senate version of the bill that stripped out the criminal penalties the House had proposed.
Opponents repeated their objections to the bill, which they say is more about abortion politics than women's health. Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, questioned why a doctor needs to be on hand when a woman takes a pill that won't take effect for hours or days.
Bill sponsor Rep. Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, argued the pill can have serious side effects, and it's important for women to establish a relationship with their doctor, just in case.
This is the second abortion-related bill to pass the Legislature this week. A bill that would require the state to license abortion facilities has already been sent to the governor's desk.
