Wash. Senate Panel Advances Abortion Coverage Parity Bill
January 31, 2012 — A Washington Senate committee on Monday passed a bill (S 3723) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion care, the Tacoma News Tribune's "Political Buzz" reports. The bill, which now heads to the Senate floor, would exempt certain religiously affiliated plans. In addition, one multistate plan available in Washington would not cover abortion care.
Although most health plans in Washington already cover abortion care, supporters of the bill say it would ensure that plans do not drop the coverage to avoid administrative requirements under the federal health reform law (PL 111-148).
Opponents say the bill would restrict health insurance options for employers that oppose abortion coverage (Krell, "Political Buzz," Tacoma News Tribune, 1/30).
A House version passed out of committee last week and could face a floor vote in coming weeks.
If enacted, the legislation would make Washington the first state to require health plans offering maternity coverage to also offer abortion coverage, according to NARAL Pro-Choice Washington (AP/Seattle Times, 1/26).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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The Editors
Debra Ness, publisher & president, National Partnership
Andrea Friedman, associate editor & director of reproductive health programs, National Partnership
Marya Torrez, associate editor & senior reproductive health policy counsel, National Partnership
Melissa Safford, associate editor & policy advocate for reproductive health, National Partnership
Perry Sacks, assistant editor & health program associate, National Partnership
Cindy Romero, assistant editor & communications assistant, National Partnership
Justyn Ware, editor
Amanda Wolfe, editor-in-chief
Heather Drost, Hanna Jaquith, Marcelle Maginnis, Ashley Marchand and Michelle Stuckey, staff writers
Tucker Ball, director of new media, National Partnership
