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ACLU Opposes Abortion Restriction Signed By Gov. Hutchinson

The American Civil Liberties union says telemedicine legislation signed by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson is aimed at blocking access to abortions.

A Hutchinson spokesman says the governor signed a bill earlier this week that requires a doctor to be physically present when a woman takes abortion-inducing medication.

The bill by Republican Sen. Missy Irvin of Mountain View was a top legislative priority of anti-abortion groups and was supported by overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate.

Supporters of the change say it will protect women who may have adverse reactions to the pill. The ACLU says the medication can be safely provided using telemedicine such as videoconferencing.

Hutchinson hasn't commented on the issue since signing the bill and wasn't immediately available for comment.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
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