Bill for tougher Ind. abortion pill law advances

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A legislative committee has endorsed a proposal that would make Indiana clinics that provide only abortion drugs face the same requirements as clinics that perform surgical abortions.

The state Senate health committee voted 7-5 Wednesday to advance the bill to the full Senate.

The bill exempts physician offices from any extra regulations even if those doctors sometimes prescribe drugs that cause abortions. A Planned Parenthood of Indiana official says its Lafayette clinic would likely be the only one in the state to face the extra regulations.

Bill supporters say abortion pills sometimes cause complications that the prescribing clinic must be prepared to deal with, while abortion-rights groups argue the extra requirements are aimed at creating more obstacles for women seeking the drug.