Doctors who perform abortions in Indiana would have to have admitting privileges in a nearby hospital under a bill the House approved Wednesday night.

The bill, which also requires that women seeking abortions must be told that fetuses can feel pain, was approved 73-20. It must return to the Senate for consideration of House changes.

Besides adding the fetal pain provision, the House expanded the hospital admissions requirement to include anyone who performs surgical procedures. But that provision does not define what those are.

Supporters say the proposal would provide better care to patients who experience problems after an abortion. Doctors with admitting privileges are subject to peer reviews that look closely at post-procedure complications, and their privileges can be revoked.

"I think it's the right statement to make about the quality of care of our patients," said Rep. Matt Bell, R-Avilla..

Opponents say abortion is already heavily regulated by the state, complications are rare, and they see the bill as restricting access to the procedure.

Rep. Gail Riecken, D-Evansville, said she was not advocating abortion but opposed the bill.

"Under the surface it is a pathway to denying women control over their own bodies," she said. "It is a slippery slope that can only restrict women and I will not be voting for this."

Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said the bill dealt with a sensitive matter that should not have been considered by the House.

"I don't even know whether it is a serious subject matter or it is a political subject matter," Brown said.

That statement drew jeers from some of the bill's supporters.