The Wisconsin Assembly has toughened a ban on state employee insurance coverage for elective abortions. On a 61-35 vote Thursday, the lower house approved a Republican bill to allow the coverage for state workers only in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of a mother. Current law only allows insurance payments for state employee abortions that are “medically necessary” — but it does not define that term. During an emotional debate, Mount Horeb Democrat Sondy Pope accused G-O-P lawmakers of interfering in private medical decisions, saying that elected legislators are not “God” — but bill sponsor Andre Jacque of De Pere says the measure prevents tax dollars from being used on abortions, and he notes that federal programs don’t cover them. The state bill now goes to the Senate.
Assembly Toughens State Employee Insurance Ban For Abortions
Nov 3, 2017 | 9:26 AM
State News