Ark. Senate approves abortion coverage ban

Published On: Feb 07 2013 05:54:11 PM CST
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -

The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill to ban insurers participating in an exchange created under the federal health care law from covering abortions.
   The Senate voted 25-9 Thursday for the bill to ban abortion coverage in the exchange, with exemptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. The House has already passed the bill and it now goes to Gov. Mike Beebe.
   The bill allows abortion coverage through supplemental policies -- an option that opponents say is not currently available in Arkansas. Opponents say the measure would prevent women from purchasing with their own money insurance coverage in the exchange that would cover abortions.
   The bill is one of several new abortion restrictions that Arkansas lawmakers are considering.

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