WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. - A proposal to ban abortions in Louisiana has won approval from a House health care committee.

Republican John LaBruzzo, of Metairie, says his bill would threaten the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling by prompting lawsuits from pro-choice groups.

The measure would expand the crime of feticide to include fetuses that are voluntarily
aborted.

The proposal also would ban Louisiana from using Medicaid funds on abortions that occur in the case of rape or incest.

A state health agency attorney said that would risk the cut-off of Medicaid funds from the federal government, as well as millions in legal fees.

The House Health and Welfare Committee voted 10-2 Tuesday to send the measure to the House for debate.