JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Senate has passed a bill that would require a doctor to be physically present when an abortion-inducing drug is first administered.
The legislation was passed with a 23-7 vote on Monday. It now heads back to the House.
Senate Democrats opposed the measure but allowed it to come to a vote after reaching a compromise. An amendment was adopted to remove a provision that would've required the patient to see the same doctor a few weeks after receiving the drug.
Supporters say the measure protects the health of a mother, but opponents say it restricts abortions, particularly in rural areas where doctors are not always readily available.
___
Abortion drugs is HB400
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.