Senator wants doctors present for some abortions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri senator says doctors should have to be physically present when patients are given abortion-inducing drugs.

Sen. Scott Rupp, a Republican from St. Charles, told a Senate committee Tuesday that doctors should not be able to prescribe abortion-inducing drugs and then supervise the procedure over the Internet or through a webcam. Rupp says doctors need to be on hand to make sure a patient is safe.

Such procedures have been performed at abortion clinics in Iowa since 2008.

Abortion rights supporters say Rupp's measure would put up barriers for women seeking an abortion, particularly in rural areas. They say some abortion-inducing drugs are administered in two doses, meaning a woman might have to drive to the doctor's office twice to complete the procedure.


Abortion pills bills are SBs 658 and 772

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov