BOISE - The House has passed a measure making it a crime to violently coerce a woman into getting an abortion.

Lawmakers voted 55-11 on Tuesday to approve the bill, a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The measure would apply to anyone who threatens, conspires or inflicts physical injury or death on a pregnant woman.

The crime would either be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether the offense involves actual violence.

Republican Representative Bob Nonini of Coeur d'Alene says the bill would help protect pregnant women who are pushed to do something they don't want to do.

Opponents say the law is unnecessary since the threat of physical violence is already a crime.