Doctors would have to ask patients if they're being forced to have an abortion, under legislation passed by the Assembly.
State law already requires doctors to get written consent before performing an abortion. State Representative Fred Kessler (D-Milwaukee) says requiring a doctor to also ask a patient just adds another roadblock to a difficult decision. The Milwaukee Democrat says it's just one additional pressure from pro-life groups to persuade a woman not to have an abortion.
However, State Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) says doctors should have to make sure it is a woman's choice. Gundrum says his bill provides an extra step to make sure a woman going in for an abortion doesn't have an abusive boyfriend or a parent forcing her to have a procedure she doesn't want to have.
The New Berlin Republican says the bill also allows doctors to provide women with help if they are being coerced into an abortion.
The Assembly approved the bill Tuesday on a 65-32 vote. It now heads to the Senate.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:04)
