Dayton Vetoes Medication Abortion Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would require a doctor to be in the room when a woman takes a pill to induce abortion.

Medication abortion is often chosen by women who want to end an early pregnancy because it can be less invasive than surgical abortions.

Supporters of the bill had said having a doctor present could make sure a patient is a good candidate for the drug.

Planned Parenthood says the measure would have ended a Rochester program where patients take the drug with a nurse in the room while video conferencing with a doctor in St. Paul.

Dayton says in his veto letter that the bill put a burden on those seeking abortions even though telemedicine is safe and inexpensive.

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