State Senate passes abortion consent bill

MADISON (AP) - The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill placing new requirements on doctors and women before abortions can be performed.

The Senate passed the bill Wednesday after Democratic opponents blocked a vote on Tuesday. It passed 17-15 on a party line vote.

The bill would require doctors be present when prescribing abortion-inducing drugs. It would ban the use of web cams to do that, a practice not currently done in Wisconsin.

The measure would also require doctors inform a woman on her right to refuse or consent to an abortion. The doctor would be required to speak to the woman away from any partner or family member.

Republican supporters say the bill will protect girls and women from harm.

It now heads to the Assembly.