The Idaho Senate has passed legislation banning women from receiving abortion-inducing medication through telemedicine — an option not available in the state — on a 27-7 party-line vote.
The Senate's seven Democrats opposed the bill Monday, arguing the proposal improperly regulated how doctors should administer care.
Republican Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll from Cottonwood countered that the bill protects women against so-called "webcam abortions," because rarely medical abortions result in surgery.
According to the legislation, doctors would be required to be present when administering pregnancy-ending pills. It also requires doctors to make all reasonable efforts to schedule a follow-up.
The proposal is likely headed to the governor's desk for his signature. However, because senators tweaked the bill after it passed through one chamber, the bill must once again go before the House.