Idaho doctors performing abortions would have to obtain admitting privileges at a local hospital under a recently introduced bill.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to introduce the bill Thursday.
Republican Sen. Lee Heider, who is sponsoring the bill, argues it's a common-sense measure because it better protects women's health in the event of a botched abortion.
Heider added that similar legislation has already passed in 16 states.
However, others have pointed out that getting admitting privileges can be challenging and the bill could force abortion clinics to shutter.
Democratic Sen. Dan Schmidt of Moscow says he's opposed to the bill, adding that language currently in the legislation does not differentiate between medical or surgical abortions.