/ Modified apr 9, 2018 9:34 p.m.

Bill Requiring Abortion Reporting Passes Arizona House

Doctors would be required to tell why an abortion is performed

Phoenix Arizona Capitol hero The Arizona Capitol.
AZPM Staff

Abortion providers would be required to ask a woman why she is having an abortion, and then report that information to the state, under a bill passed by the Arizona House on Monday.

Opponents of the bill called it "intimidation."

"For any other medical procedure, we don't ask or interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and ask the patient, 'Why are you doing this?' But when it comes to abortion, the government decides and is seeking to know the reasons why. I think that is overreach," said Rep. Athena Salman, D-Tempe.

Backers of the bill said it has to do with gaining information, not restricting abortions.

"It is not preventing abortion. It is not putting a huge burden on anyone but it is information that we can use as we continue to move forward in this process," said Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert.

The bill has previously passed the Senate. It now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for approval.

By posting comments, you agree to our

The University of Arizona