Deal Signs Into Law Bill Limiting Abortion Coverage For State Employees
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal Thursday signed into law a bill that restricts abortion coverage for state employees and those who sign up for plans through the federally-run insurance exchange as part of the Affordable Care Act.As heard on the radio
The new law prohibits abortion coverage for any reason other than a medical emergency. The lone exception would be if the mother’s life is at risk, not in cases of rape or incest.
Republican state Sen. Josh McKoon said the law doesn’t stop those with effected plans from having an abortion, but rather prevents taxpayer money from funding the procedure.
“We’re simply saying that we shouldn’t forcibly take money from the taxpayer and use it to fund something that many find to be morally reprehensible,” McKoon said.
Last year, Deal, through the state Board of Community Health, blocked abortion coverage in state health plans, which covers all state employees, including teachers. The measure signed by the governor Thursday puts the change into law.
As for those plans offered through the federally-run exchange, the ACA allows states to pass laws banning abortion coverage in those plans.
The bill passed both chambers mostly along party lines, with Democrats and Republicans accusing each other of election year stunts.
Democratic state Sen. Valencia Seay was a vocal critic of the bill during the legislative session.
“If women are paying their premium,” Seay said. “They should be afforded healthcare 100 percent for all of our body.”
Seay repeated claims the bill is part of a “war on women.”
“If it doesn’t affect you and your coverage, than it is an attack on the women who it does affect.”
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