Legislation that combines several anti-abortion measures into one has been approved by a state House committee.
The House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee approved the measure on Wednesday.
Among other things, it affirms the right of health care professionals to refuse to participate in an abortion, requires abortion doctors to tell a woman she has a right to a free ultrasound examination and ensures that a mother's consent to an abortion is voluntary and has not been coerced.
The bill also regulates use of the chemical abortion pill RU-486, which is used when a fetus is about two months old.
In related action, a Senate subcommittee approved House-passed legislation that authorizes felony charges against a person who assaults a pregnant woman and causes her to miscarry.
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