Texas Senate OKs abortion insurance restrictions
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AUSTIN, Tex. - Texas' Republican-controlled Legislature has voted to restrict insurance coverage for abortions, over the objections of opponents who decried that no exception would be made in cases of rape or incest.
The state Senate late Saturday approved 20-10 a bill requiring women to purchase extra insurance to cover abortions except amid medical emergencies. A final, largely formulaic vote soon will send the measure to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law.
Ten states already have laws restricting insurance coverage of abortion in private insurance plans. All make exceptions if the mother's life is endangered but only two have rape or incest exceptions.
Supporters say it keeps Texans who object to abortion from subsidizing coverage for the procedure. But Democrats say it forces women to buy "rape insurance."