(RALEIGH) -- Women would have to wait 24 hours to get an abortion under a bill approved in the state House Wednesday.   The bill would also require doctors to perform an ultrasound no more than four hours prior to the abortion procedure.

Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, called the bill unconstitutional because it violates due process. "Tell the women of North Carolina what the law is about themselves without asking the women of North Carolina and this bill determines that all of them must be told the same thing in the same way at the same time.  I am tired of abortion," said Glazier.

North Carolina is one of 16 states that do not require specialized counseling before an abortion. Half the states require a waiting period.

Rep. Diane Parfitt, D-Cumberland, argued that the abortion debate was settled by the landmark case, Roe v. Wade. "This is a punitive bill directed at controlling women's reproductive right.  It has politicians determining what informed consent is, a one size fits all with no allowance for what the patient's need," said Parfit.

Rep. Ruth Samuelson, R-Mecklenburg, rejected criticism that the bill is disrespectful to women. "It's about recognizing the fact that we are intelligent.  We have strong moral compass.  We are able to make decisions when we have complete information and frankly giving us a little bit of time doesn't hurt," said Samuelson.

Lawmakers in the House voted 71-48 for the bill. The measure now heads to the Senate.