Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2012 --- 10:10p.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Assembly has passed a bill that would require women seeking abortions to undergo a physical exam.
The measure also would require doctors to speak privately with women at least 24 hours before performing an abortion to determine whether they had been coerced into having the procedure done. Doctors who break the law could be charged with a felony.
Proponents say the bill is designed to ensure women aren't pressured into an abortion and doctors aren't doing consultations via webcams.
Opponents argue webcam consultations aren't currently done in Wisconsin and the true intent is to make it harder to get an abortion.
The Assembly passed the measure 60-33 Thursday. The Senate has already passed the bill. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker.
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
