An Arkansas House panel has supported a proposal for tougher abortion pill restrictions but failed to advance a bill that would increase requirements for abortion providers.
The bill approved Tuesday by the Health Committee would override local doctors and require abortion pill providers to follow dosage limits and other guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A bill that would require physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where they practice failed to receive enough votes. A majority of committee members supported the proposal but it didn't obtain the 11 votes required to advance.
Proponents of both bills say the changes will protect women and make abortions safer. Opponents say the changes are designed to limit access to abortions.
