House re-passes abortion bill

Bill would require physician presence when abortion pills are dispensed or taken.

By jenbrooks

April 27, 2012 at 3:44PM

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.

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.

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