Controversial Abortion Bill: Arizona Approves Legislation Preventing Taxpayer Money From Paying for Abortions
Arizona women may no longer be able to buy health insurance through the federal marketplace if their plans include abortion coverage after lawmakers passed a hotly debated bill that includes such restrictions, The Associated Press reported.
In an 18-11 vote, senators in the Grand Canyon State on Wednesday approved the legislation, which also requires abortion providers to tell women that they can reverse the effects of a drug-induced abortion. The proposed law now heads to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, a strong pro-life advocate, who has not said whether he will sign Senate Bill 1318.
Supporters say the restrictions would prevent taxpayer money from paying for abortion services because many residents who are insured through the federally run exchange get government subsidies, Reuters explained.
"Our voters overwhelmingly and consistently have said they do not want their taxpayer money going to fund abortions," Mesa Republican Kelly Townsend noted during House debate earlier this week.
Abortions would still be covered if the patient is a victim of rape or incest or to save a woman's life, Reuters added. But Tucson Democrat Victoria Steele told the Arizona Republic that insurance companies would have to approve such an exception.
"Imagine your daughter, God forbid, someone is pregnant as a result of rape: They would need to talk to their insurance company to see if they would approve if they can apply for the exemption?" Steele said. "That is cruel."
Opponents of the bill also hammered the its requirement that patients be told the effects of abortion pills can be undone by using high doses of a hormone. Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs argued that the claim amounted to "junk science," Reuters noted.
"This is quack medicine," the Phoenix Democrat said. "There is absolutely no evidence anywhere ... that supports this as a valid medical procedure."
Supporters claim that despite a lack of peer-reviewed studies on the topic, a reversal is possible if a woman acts quickly. Cathi Herrod, the president of the pro-life Center for Arizona Policy, argued that anyone considering an abortion should be given as much information as possible.
"This is a great day for women in Arizona who are considering getting an abortion to get all the facts they need and a great day for Arizona taxpayers," Herrod said.
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