An Assembly committee has approved the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims act, but supporters of the measure are upset about changes made to the legislation.
The version of the bill passed by the Senate requires hospitals to notify rape victims about emergency contraceptives and provide them if requested. State Representative Mark Gundrum says that raised some constitutional concerns because it didn't provide an exemption for religious objections. Gundrum's committee on Tuesday approved an amended version of the legislation, adding that provision.
State Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison) says that change "guts" the bill by essentially making the legislation the same as current law. Despite that action though, Pocan is confident the Assembly can pass the original legislation.
The Senate approved the un-amended version of the bill earlier this year on a 27-6 vote.
