Georgia Legislature Passes Insurance Coverage Ban for Abortions

A controversial bill is on its way to Governor Nathan Deal’s desk. It would prohibit abortion coverage in the State Health Benefit Plan and under a federal healthcare exchange that Georgians can participate in under the Affordable Care Act.  On Tuesday, the Senate approved the bill after the House changed the measure. 

The bill’s original sponsor, Republican Senator Judson Hill, says the main change from the Senate bill is an exception under the State Health Benefit Plan. He says the exception would only allow abortions to be paid for with taxpayer dollars to save the life of a mother. “It’s identical to the Senate version but they used a little bit different language, and as the sponsor I’ve decided to agree to that.”