Abortion: Private and Public Insurance Coverage
In the News

Minn. Judge Dismisses Suit Claiming State Illegally Covered Abortion Costs
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A Minnesota judge has dismissed a lawsuit that alleged the state incorrectly used public funds to pay for more than 37,000 abortions for low-income women who did not qualify for abortion coverage under state laws, the AP/Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Ariz. Gov. Shifts Stance on Planned Parenthood Restrictions Under Medicaid Expansion
Monday, May 6, 2013
In a reversal, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) on Thursday said she would support an amendment to her Medicaid expansion plan that would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving funds through the program, the Arizona Daily Sun reports.

Iowa House Budget Bill Would Bar Medicaid Coverage for Abortions, Elective C-Sections
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Iowa House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved a budget bill that includes provisions that would end Medicaid coverage of abortions in any circumstances, as well as elective caesarean-section deliveries, Radio Iowa reports.

Pa. House Passes Restrictions on Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Marketplace
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Pennsylvania House on Tuesday voted 144-53 to approve a measure (HB 818) that would prohibit abortion coverage in private health plans purchased through the state's insurance marketplace, which is being created under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

GOP Coalition Blocks Wash. Abortion Coverage Bill
Thursday, April 18, 2013
On Wednesday, a Republican coalition in the Washington state Senate blocked debate of a provision that would have required health plans to cover abortion care, the AP/KOMO News reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"State Policy Trends 2013: Abortion Bans Move to the Forefront" (Elizabeth Nash/Rachel Benson Gold, RH Reality Check, 4/12) and "Federal Court Blocks Mississippi Admitting Privileges Law" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 4/15).

W. Va. House Rejects Budget Amendment Targeting Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Monday, April 15, 2013
West Virginia's House of Delegates on Thursday voted 45-52 to reject a budget amendment that would have barred Medicaid from covering abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Pa. Senate Panel Approves Bill To Limit Abortion Coverage Under Affordable Care Act
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill (SB 275) that would ban private health plans in the state's health insurance marketplaces from covering most abortions, CBS Philly reports.

Alaska Senate Passes Bill To Restrict Abortion Coverage Through Medicaid
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The Alaska Senate on Tuesday voted 14-6 to advance a measure (SB 49) that would define which "medically necessary" abortions are covered under the state's Medicaid program, the AP/Anchorage Daily News reports.

Ark. Senate Approves Bill That Would Cut Grants to Abortion Providers
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Arkansas Senate on Tuesday voted 19-11 to advance a bill (SB 818) that would prohibit the state from awarding grants to organizations that provide abortion care or referrals or contract with groups that do, Reuters reports.

Va. Legislature Approves Ban on Abortion Coverage in New Health Insurance Marketplace
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday voted to approve Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) amendment that would ban most abortion coverage in private health plans sold through the state's federally run health insurance marketplace, NBC Washington's "First Read - DMV" reports.

Wash. Senator Blocks Advancement of Abortion Coverage Bill
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Washington Senate Health Care Committee Chair Randi Becker (R) on Monday blocked legislation (HB 1044) that would require health plans to cover abortion services from advancing to the full Senate, even though a majority of senators support the measure, the AP/Yakima Herald reports.

Ga. Gov. Deal Weighs Using Executive Powers To Ban Abortion Coverage From State Employee Health Plans
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) is considering using his executive powers to bar state employee health insurance plans from offering abortion coverage, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Increased Polarization Among States Leaves Little Middle Ground in Abortion Debate, Advocates Say
Monday, April 1, 2013
Advocates on both sides of the abortion-rights debate say that states are rapidly becoming more polarized on the issue as they enact an increasing number of laws governing the procedure, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Va. Gov. Proposes Ban on Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchange
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has introduced an amendment that would prohibit abortion coverage in health plans sold through the state's federally run health insurance exchange, the AP/Washington Times reports.

Ga. Senators Approve Measure Prohibiting State Employee Health Plans From Covering Abortion
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The Georgia Senate on Monday voted 34-15 to approve a bill (HB 246) that contains an amendment barring state employee health insurance plans from offering abortion coverage, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Political Insider" reports.

Wash. Senate Panel To Consider Bill To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Washington Senate Health Care Committee on April 1 is set to hold a hearing on a measure (HB 1044) that would require health plans in the state to cover abortion services, the AP/USA Today reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
"Washington State May Require Insurers To Cover Abortion as Part of Maternity Care" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress, 3/25); "North Dakota Votes To Ban All Abortions by Defining Life at Conception" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 3/22).

Debate Over Medicaid Abortion Coverage Stalls Iowa Budget Measure
Monday, March 25, 2013
Iowa officials on Thursday said progress on the state's health and human services budget remains stalled because of a recurring debate over language regarding funding of abortions by the state's Medicaid program, the Sioux City Journal reports.

Minn. House Passes Health Exchange Bill Without Additional Abortion-Coverage Restrictions
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Minnesota House on Friday approved a bill (HF 5) for establishing its health insurance exchange that does not include a provision barring health plans from offering abortion coverage, Kaiser Health News' "Capsules" reports.

Ark. Bill Aims To Defund Affiliates of Abortion Providers
Monday, March 11, 2013
An Arkansas lawmaker who sponsored the state's newly enacted 12-week abortion ban has introduced a bill (SB 818) that would bar public funding to abortion providers and groups affiliated with them, including Planned Parenthood, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

Coalition of Women's Groups Backs Reproductive Health Provisions in N.Y. Women's Equality Act
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
On Monday, a new coalition lobbying for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) legislative package known as the Women's Equality Act announced its support for including measures to strengthen reproductive rights, the AP/Wall Street Journal reports.

Editorial Urges Wash. Senate To Hold Hearing on Reproductive Rights Act
Monday, March 4, 2013
Washington senators should heed the will of voters who support abortion rights by holding a hearing on the Reproductive Parity Act (HB 1044), a Seattle Times editorial writes.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 1, 2013
"Medicaid Coverage for Abortion Care Elusive Even in States Where it is Legal" (Herold, RH Reality Check, 2/26) and "Hope in Indiana? Both Republicans and Democrats Express Reservations on Banning Medication Abortion" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/26).

Wash. House Passes Measure To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The Washington House on Friday passed a measure (HB 1044) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion services, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reports.

Mich. House Panel Approves New Version of Insurance Overhaul Without Abortion Restrictions
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Michigan House Insurance Committee on Thursday approved an insurance overhaul bill (SB 61, SB 62) that does not include an abortion-related provision that led Gov. Rick Snyder (R) to veto similar legislation in December, the AP/Oakland Press reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 22, 2013
"Anything But Delicate: Alabama's Solution to Substance Abuse During Pregnancy" (Josie Sustaire, Law Students for Reproductive Justice's "Repo Repro, 2/20) and "Something To Celebrate: Philadelphia Board of Health Calls for Public Funding, Insurance Coverage for Reproductive Health Care" (Claire Cooper, RH Reality Check, 2/21).

N.D. Senate Approves Bill To Prohibit Embryo Destruction, Expand Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Monday voted 24-23 to pass a bill (SB 2303) that would prohibit the destruction of embryos and expand Medicaid coverage for abortions, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Reporting Requirement Removed From Alaska Bill on Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
A revised version of a bill (SB 49) that would further restrict when Medicaid can cover abortions was introduced in the Alaska Senate on Friday, omitting a provision that would have required women to "promptly" report rape and incest to authorities in order to qualify for the coverage, the AP/Juneau Empire reports.

Wash. Gov. Urges Vote on Bill To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on Monday urged the state Senate to vote on a measure (HB 1044) that would require most insurers to cover abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Abortion-Rights Opponents Embrace Opportunity To Restrict Coverage in Exchanges
Friday, February 15, 2013
Abortion-rights opponents in several states are using a provision in the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) to prevent private health insurers from covering abortion in the state health insurance exchanges, NBC News reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 15, 2013
"From the Ground Up: Restoring Insurance Coverage for Abortion Care" (Sweeney/Baden, RH Reality Check, 2/13).

Ark. Gov. Beebe Signs Bill Prohibiting Coverage for Abortion in Health Exchange
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Monday signed into law a bill (HB 1100) that prohibits insurers from offering abortion coverage in the state's health insurance exchange, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Alaska Senator Proposes Bill To Restrict Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Alaska Senate Majority Leader John Coghill (R) on Monday introduced a bill (SB 49) that would further restrict when abortion can be covered under the state's Medicaid program, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 8, 2013
"It's Up to Us To Defend Abortion Rights" (Mary Lou Greenberg, RH Reality Check, 2/5) and "State Politicians May Force Me to Turn Away Patients" (Stephanie Dahl, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 2/6).

Ark. House Approves Abortion Restrictions
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Arkansas House on Monday approved two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Miami Herald reports.

More States Moving To Restrict Abortion Coverage
Friday, February 1, 2013
Federal fights over abortion coverage leading up to passage of the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) have raised state lawmakers' consciousness about their ability to restrict health insurers from covering the procedure, Politico reports.

Ark. House Committee Passes Antiabortion Bills
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Thursday advanced two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Wash. Lawmakers Renew Efforts To Ensure Abortion Coverage
Friday, February 1, 2013
Democratic lawmakers in Washington state are renewing efforts to pass legislation (HB 1044) requiring insurers to cover abortion care, the AP/Seattle Times reports.

Antiabortion-Rights State Lawmakers Hope To Continue Momentum of Last Two Years
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Emboldened by new Republican majorities in three states and GOP control of both legislative chambers in 26 states, abortion-rights opponents are working to build on the momentum of the last two years, when 135 state abortion restrictions were enacted, Bloomberg reports.

Iowa House Republicans Discuss Measure To End Medicaid Funding for Abortion in all Cases
Monday, January 28, 2013
Iowa House Republicans are holding preliminary talks to re-introduce a proposal that would prohibit Medicaid coverage of abortion in all circumstances, the AP/Mason City Globe Gazette reports.

ACLU Drops Challenge to Kan. Abortion Coverage Law
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The American Civil Liberties Union on Friday dropped its legal challenge to a Kansas law restricting abortion coverage in private health plans, the AP/New York Times reports.

Va. Bill Would End Abortion Coverage for Low-Income Women When Fetus is Unlikely To Survive
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Virginia senator has proposed a bill (SB 826) that would end state funding for abortions for low-income women when the fetus has severe anomalies, the American Independent reports.

Forty Years After Roe v. Wade, Pa. Abortion Clinic Remains Battleground
Monday, January 14, 2013
On the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, activists on both sides of the issue at a Pennsylvania abortion clinic are drained by the decades-long fight, the Washington Post's "Wonkblog" reports.

Challenge to Kan. Abortion Coverage Law To Go to Trial
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
A federal judge on Monday ordered a trial to resolve whether a Kansas law restricting abortion coverage in private health plans imposes a substantial burden on women seeking abortions, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Va. Lawmakers Plan Bills To Restrict Abortion
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Despite drawing nationwide backlash over antiabortion measures last year, Virginia legislators have pre-filed bills for the upcoming session that would restrict access to abortion, the Washington Post reports.

Mich. Gov. Snyder Vetoes Health Insurance Legislation
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) on Dec. 28 vetoed a health insurance overhaul (SB 1293, SB 1294) because of a provision barring health plans and employers from providing abortion coverage, Reuters reports.

New York Times Criticizes Mich. Antiabortion
Thursday, January 3, 2013
"Despite clear public support for women's reproductive rights, Michigan's Republican-controlled Legislature used the just-ended lame-duck session to ram through harmful measures eliminating insurance coverage of abortions and imposing medically unnecessary regulations on providers of safe and legal abortion care," a New York Times editorial states.

Minn. Requests Dismissal of Lawsuit Alleging Unlawful Abortion Funding
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Minnesota Department of Human Services on Tuesday requested dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that the state unlawfully used public funds to pay for more than 37,000 abortions for low-income women, the AP/St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Alaska Health Department Rejects Stricter Standard in Abortion Coverage Regulations
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Alaska Health Department has rejected a proposal to further restrict abortion coverage for low-income residents as part of new regulations for public health insurance programs, the AP/Fairbank Daily News-Miner reports.

Abortion Restrictions Should Be Removed From Mich. Health Insurance Legislation, Editorial Argues
Monday, December 17, 2012
A Michigan provision that would bar businesses and insurers from offering abortion coverage in their health plans "imposes government in yet another place where it doesn't belong," a Detroit News editorial states.

Antiabortion Group's Suit Claims Minn. Unlawfully Funded Abortions
Friday, November 30, 2012
An antiabortion-rights group in Minnesota on Tuesday filed a lawsuit alleging that the state used public funds to pay for more than 37,000 abortions that did not qualify for coverage under state laws, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Wis. Antiabortion Group Hopes To Use GOP Majority To Bolster Abortion Regulations
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wisconsin's largest antiabortion-rights group, Wisconsin Right to Life, hopes to capitalize on Republican control of the Legislature and governorship to push through a number of abortion restrictions in the next legislative session, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Abortion Opponents To Push Several Proposals in 2013 Ark. Legislative Session
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Now that Republicans have won control of both the House and Senate in Arkansas, abortion opponents are pushing to introduce several bills that failed in last year's legislative session, AP/Today's THV reports.

Fla. Voters Sent 'Strong Message' With Defeat of Antiabortion Measure, Letter States
Friday, November 16, 2012
In rejecting a ballot initiative (Amendment 6) last week, "Florida voters sent a strong message that when politicians deny insurance coverage for abortion, they play a dangerous game of 'keep away' with women's health," Harry Knox, president and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, writes in a letter to the editor of the New York Times.

New York Times Editorial, Columnist Weigh Election's Significance for Women's Health
Friday, November 9, 2012
The New York Times recently published an editorial and a column that discuss how Tuesday's election results relate to women's reproductive health issues. Summaries appear below.

Featured Blogs
Friday, November 9, 2012
"STUDY: Women Rely on Publicly-Funded Health Clinics Like Planned Parenthood for Their Primary Care" (Annie-Rose Strasser, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 11/18) and "ELECTION 2012: Florida Voters Defeat Amendment 6, the 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion' Amendment" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 11/6).

Fla. Rejects Ballot Measure Barring Abortion Funding, Altering Privacy Rights
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Florida voters on Tuesday defeated a ballot initiative (Amendment 6) that would have amended the state constitution to explicitly exclude a broader right to abortion than is protected under the U.S. Constitution and ban public funding for abortion in most cases, the AP/Palm Beach Post's "Election Center Blog" reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, October 26, 2012
"The Sinister Motives Behind Challenges to Medicaid Funding of Planned Parenthood," Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 10/24) and "New York City Launches Clinic Escort Program, Anti-Choicers Offended by 'Government Interference,'" Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 10/24).

Appeals Court Upholds Injunction Against Ind. Law Prohibiting Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld an injunction against an Indiana law prohibiting the distribution of state and federal Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and other organizations that offer abortion services, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Fla., Mont. Are 'Exceptions' to 'Paucity' of Women's Health Referendums This Year, Salon Piece States
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
No "personhood" measures are on state ballots this year, but initiatives Florida and Montana provide "exceptions to the relative paucity" of reproductive health-related referendums in this election, Irin Carmon writes in Salon.

Experts Warn About Privacy Implications of Proposed Fla. Antiabortion Amendment
Friday, October 12, 2012
Experts during a public forum last week discussed the implications of an initiative (Amendment 6) on Florida's November ballot that would ban public funding for most abortion care or coverage, Tampa Bay Newspapers reports.

Fla. Constitutional Amendments Spark Involvement From Catholic Church, Women's Advocates
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Two proposed constitutional amendments -- one related to abortion and the other to the separation of church and state -- on Florida's November ballot could have both immediate and far-reaching repercussions, the New York Times reports.

Opinion Pieces Debate Fla. Antiabortion Ballot Measure
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Three recent opinion pieces in the Sunshine State News and Orlando Sentinel discuss the potential impact of a state ballot initiative (Amendment 6) that would limit public funding for abortion and the right to abortion under the state constitution.

Support Lagging for Fla. Antiabortion Ballot Measure, Poll Shows
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Fewer than half of Florida voters support a state ballot initiative (Amendment 6) that would limit public funding for abortion and limit the right to abortion under the state constitution, according to a poll by Suffolk University/7NEWS, the Orlando Sentinel's "Central Florida Political Pulse" reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
"A Wink and a Nod: Anti-Choice Laws Invite Anti-Choice Harassment and Terrorism" (Jen Russo, RH Reality Check, 10/1), "Missouri Fines Insurance Provider $1.5 Million for Not Letting Employers' Personal Beliefs Dictate Contraception Coverage" (Amanda Peterson Beadle, ThinkProgress, 9/28) and "Why we Should all Care That Texas is 'Dismantling' Women's Health" (Thanh Tan, Seattle Times ' "Ed Cetera," 9/28).

Insurer To Pay $1.5M in Dispute Over Abortion, Contraceptive Coverage
Friday, September 28, 2012
Aetna will pay $1.5 million to settle charges that it did not comply with Missouri laws regarding coverage requirements for abortion, contraception and autism, the AP/Business Insider reports.

Ky. Lawmaker Plans Bill To Bar Abortion Coverage in State's Exchange
Friday, September 28, 2012
Kentucky Rep. Stan Lee (R) on Wednesday said he plans to introduce legislation in January that would prohibit health plans from offering abortion coverage in the state's health insurance exchange, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
"Why are New York's Teen Pregnancy Rates so Much Lower Than Mississippi's?" (Amanda Marcotte, Slate 's "XX Factor," 9/24) and "Rick Perry Wants To Replace Planned Parenthood With Crisis Pregnancy Centers That Don't Provide Health Services" (Amanda Peterson Beadle, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 9/21).

Alaska Health Department Still Mulling Proposed Abortion Coverage Regulations
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Alaska Health Department is still reviewing a proposal to further restrict funding for abortion care in health insurance programs for low-income state residents, the AP/Anchorage Daily News reports.

Future of Alaska Abortion Legislation Could Hinge on State Senate Races
Friday, September 21, 2012
A conservative push to gain a majority in the Alaska Senate could have repercussions for abortion-related legislation in the state, the Alaska Dispatch reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, September 14, 2012
"In Texas, the Numbers Reveal Just How Dire Things Will Be for Medicaid Patients Without Planned Parenthood" (Andrea Grimes, RH Reality Check, 9/11).

Mo. Enacts Abortion, Contraceptive Coverage Refusal Law; Injunction Requested To Block Measure
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Missouri Legislature on Wednesday voted to override Gov. Jay Nixon's (D) veto of a bill (SB 749) that would allow employers to refuse to provide insurance coverage for contraception, abortion or sterilization procedures for moral or religious reasons, the Huffington Post reports.

Alaska State Sen. Questions Constitutionality of Proposed Medicaid Abortion Regulations
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
An Alaska state senator in a letter on Friday urged the health department commissioner to withdraw a proposal to change requirements for funding abortion care for low-income women, the AP/Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports.

Alaska Officials Refuse To Discuss Proposed Changes to Abortion Coverage Rules
Monday, July 16, 2012
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is refusing to discuss a proposed change to "abortion payment conditions" that critics believe could restrict access for low-income women, the Anchorage Daily News reports.

Kan. Asks Judge To Reject Challenge to Abortion Coverage Law
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Attorneys representing Kansas' insurance commissioner submitted court filings on Friday arguing that a state law barring abortion coverage in private health plans "does not impose an undue burden" on women, the AP/Lawrence Journal World reports.

Antiabortion Ballot Proposal Falls Short in Oregon
Friday, July 6, 2012
An Oregon ballot proposal aimed at prohibiting public funding of abortions failed to obtain the required number of signatures needed to qualify for the Nov. 6 ballot, Willamette Week reports.

Washington Post Editorial Laments Sen. Paul's Hypocrisy in Meddling in District's Decisions
Friday, June 29, 2012
Legislation (S 2345) that would give District of Columbia officials control over "locally collected, locally paid tax dollars" was postponed this week after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) proposed several amendments to "dictate to the city policies on guns, abortions and unions," a Washington Post editorial states.

Abortion Amendment Stalls Bill on D.C. Budget Autonomy
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
A markup on legislation (S 2345) that would grant budget autonomy to the District of Columbia was postponed on Wednesday after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) proposed several amendments, including one to permanently ban the district from using its own funds to pay for abortion services, the Washington Post's "D.C. Wire" reports.

House Appropriations Comm. Approves Abortion Restrictions for Federal Employees, District of Columbia
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved an amendment that would prohibit the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program from including abortion coverage in plans offered in multistate health insurance exchanges created under health reform, The Hill's "On the Money" reports.

Iowa Lawmakers Seek To End Medicaid Abortion Coverage for Rape, Incest, Fetal Anomalies
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Forty-one Iowa House Republicans have filed a petition requesting emergency rulemaking to prohibit the state's Medicaid program from covering abortion care in cases of rape, incest or fetal anamolies, the Des Moines Register's "Iowa Politics Insider" reports.

ACLU Files Legal Claim To Protest Kan. Law Prohibiting Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a claim asking U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson to strike down a Kansas law that prohibits insurers from including abortion coverage in their general health plans, the AP/Topeka Capital-Journal reports.

Conn. Will Include Abortion Care as an Essential Health Benefit
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A Connecticut committee on Friday unanimously agreed that abortion should be considered an essential health benefit covered by plans in the state's health insurance exchange, the Connecticut Mirror reports.

House Bill Target D.C. Abortion Funding
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday released a 2013 District of Columbia spending bill that would maintain a ban on public funding of abortion care in the district, the Washington Post reports.

S.C. Senators Reach Compromise on Abortion Coverage in State Employee Health Plan
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Two South Carolina senators on Thursday announced a budget compromise under which public funding would not be used to cover abortion care for state employees in cases of rape or incest, the Columbia State reports.

N.D. 'Religious Liberty' Ballot Measure is 'Misguided,' Editorial States
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"North Dakotans should reject the misguided, misleadingly named 'Religious Liberty Restoration' measure when they vote in their state primary early next month," a Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial states.

Ala. House Approves Bills on Abortion Coverage, Clinics Standards
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Alabama House on Tuesday approved a bill that would allow the state to restrict insurance coverage of abortion in certain health plans, sending the measure to Gov. Robert Bentley (R), the AP/Gadsden Times reports.

Columnist Weighs In on Attack on Women's Health Care in S.C.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A recent column responds to an attack on reproductive rights in South Carolina.

Ala. House Panel Approves Restrictions on Abortion Clinics, Coverage
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Alabama House Health Committee on Wednesday approved two bills that would increase regulation of abortion clinics and restrict insurance coverage of abortion, Alabama Live reports.

Fla. Ballot Measure Would Strengthen Ban on Public Funding for Abortion, Pave Way for Parental Consent
Friday, April 27, 2012
An amendment on Florida's November ballot would enact a state constitutional ban on public funding for abortion to make it harder to repeal existing state and federal bans on the funding, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

N.H. Senate Votes on Series of Bills Targeting Women's Health
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The New Hampshire Senate on Wednesday debated a series of abortion- and reproductive health-related measures, rejecting several and advancing two, the Concord Monitor reports.

S.C. Senate Panel Approves Clause To Ban Coverage for Abortion Care in Cases of Rape, Incest
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A South Carolina Senate panel on Tuesday approved a budget clause that would ban the state's health plan from covering abortion unless a woman's life was in danger, the AP/Myrtle Beach Sun News reports

Wash. Legislature Ends Special Session Without Action on Abortion Coverage Bill
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Washington Legislature ended a monthlong special session on Wednesday without action on a bill (HB 2330) that would have required health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion care, Politico's "Pulse" reports.

Wis. Gov. Walker Quietly Signs Bills Placing New Restrictions on Abortion Care, Insurance Coverage, Sex Education
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) on Thursday signed three separate bills restricting abortion care and insurance coverage of the procedure, as well as imposing new requirements for sex education, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

N.H. Senate Panel Considers Bill To Cut Public Funding for Facilities Providing Abortion Care
Friday, April 6, 2012
The New Hampshire Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday held a hearing on legislation (HB 228) that would bar public funding for facilities that offer abortion services, NHPR reports.

Neb. Lawmakers Advance Bill Restoring State-Funded Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrants Over Gov.'s Objections
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Nebraska senators on Wednesday voted 29-16 to advance a bill (LB 599) that would restore prenatal care coverage for low-income pregnant women, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, despite opposition from Gov. Dave Heineman (R), the Omaha World-Herald reports.

ACLU Allowed To Proceed With Challenge to Kan. Abortion Coverage Law
Monday, April 2, 2012
A federal judge on Thursday said the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri may continue with its challenge to a Kansas law that restricts private insurance coverage of abortion, the AP/ Lawrence Journal-World reports.

Wash. Abortion Coverage Parity Bill Could Be Revived in Special Session
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Washington bill (HB 2330) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion care could be revived during a special session convened by Gov. Chris Gregoire (D), the AP/Seattle Times reports.

Alaska Lawmakers Consider Abortion Bills; Measures Are Unlikely To Advance
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Alaska lawmakers on Tuesday held a House hearing on the definition of "medically necessary" abortion care, the Anchorage Daily News reports.

Wis. Assembly Passes Bills Limiting Abortion Coverage, Mandating Abstinence Education
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Wisconsin Assembly this week passed bills that would restrict insurance coverage of abortion services and require schools to teach that abstinence is the only reliable method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, the AP/Racine Journal Times reports

Va. Democrats Criticize Police Action Against Protesters; Senate Approves 'Wrongful Death' Bill
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Several Virginia Senate Democrats in floor speeches on Monday denounced the treatment and arrest of reproductive rights supporters outside the Capitol on Saturday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

Wash. Abortion Coverage Parity Bill Stalled in Senate
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A Washington bill (HB 2330) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion care appears defeated for this session, after it failed to advance to the Senate floor ahead of a Friday deadline, the AP/Seattle Times reports.

State Abortion Restrictions Have Little Impact on Demand for Procedure
Monday, March 5, 2012
While state restrictions on access to abortion care, such as requiring an ultrasound or a waiting period, are "burdensome and demeaning," abortion-rights supporters say the obstacles "rarely dissuade women who want the procedure," the AP/Longview News-Journal reports.

Wash. Abortion Coverage Parity Bill Set for Senate Vote
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Washington bill (HB 2330) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion care is poised to clear its final legislative hurdle, with support strengthened by the addition of two amendments, Kaiser Health News' "Capsules" reports.

Wash. House Lawmakers Pass Abortion Coverage Bill
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Washington state House on Monday voted 52-46 to approve legislation (HB 2330) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion services, the AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

Abortion-Rights Opponents in Kan. at Odds Over Legislative Priorities
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Kansas House Judiciary Committee Chair Lance Kinzer (R) does not plan to hold a hearing on a "personhood" bill (HCR 5029), a decision that is fueling a rift between abortion-rights opponents over the best strategy for restricting the procedure, the AP/Kansas City Star reports.

Kan. Legislature To Consider Sweeping Antiabortion Bill
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Kansas lawmakers this week will consider a complex antiabortion-rights bill with provisions ranging from requiring that women receive warnings about the supposed risks of abortion care to changing medical malpractice and tax laws, the Huffington Post reports.

Wash. Senate Panel Advances Abortion Coverage Parity Bill
Tuesday, 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.

ACLU To Question Insurance Providers on Impact of Kan. Abortion Insurance Law
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday filed notice in federal court stating that it plans to question Kansas insurance providers about the effect of a new state law that prohibits insurance coverage of abortion services, the AP/Columbus Republic reports.

Wash. Proposal Would Require Private Insurers To Offer Abortion Coverage
Monday, January 9, 2012
A legislative proposal in Washington state would require private health plans to provide abortion coverage if they also cover maternity care, the Seattle Times reports.

States Passed More Abortion Restrictions in 2011 Than in Decades
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
In 2011, state-level legislation to limit abortion rights did more to reshape access to the procedure "than any other year in three decades," Sarah Kliff writes in the Washington Post's "Wonkblog."

Ohio Gov. Signs Ban on Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchanges
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) on Wednesday signed into law a bill (HB 79) that will prohibit health plans from offering abortion coverage in the state's health insurance exchange, the Dayton Daily News' "Ohio Politics" reports.

ACLU Pledges Lawsuits if Ohio Enacts Antiabortion Bills
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio on Tuesday promised to pursue legal action if state lawmakers approve either of two antiabortion-rights bills being debated this week, Reuters reports.

Kan. Has Spent Nearly $400K To Defend New Antiabortion Restrictions
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Kansas has amassed $392,520 in legal bills in the last six months for the defense of new laws restricting abortion rights and family planning funding, the Kansas City Star reports.

D.C. Officials Reject Budget Autonomy Bill Over Abortion Provision
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Washington, D.C., officials on Wednesday came out in opposition to draft legislation that would grant the district budget autonomy in exchange for a permanent ban on using its own money to pay for abortion services for low-income women, Roll Call reports.

Rep. Issa Drafts Bill To Give D.C. Budget Autonomy on Issues Other Than Abortion
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has proposed draft legislation that would give Washington, D.C., the ability to set its own budget but bar the district from using its own money to pay for abortion services for low-income women, Roll Call reports.

Ind., Planned Parenthood Face Off Over Funding Dispute
Friday, October 21, 2011
On Thursday, a three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in a dispute over an Indiana law that eliminates state and federal Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and other organizations that offer abortion services, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Federal Judge Lets Kan. Abortion Insurance Law Stand While Lawsuit Continues
Friday, September 30, 2011
A federal judge on Thursday refused to block a new Kansas law that prohibits insurance companies from including abortion coverage in health plans, the New York Times reports.

ACLU Challenges Recommendation in Suit Over Kan. Abortion Coverage Law
Friday, September 23, 2011
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri on Thursday asked U.S. District Judge Wesley Brown to grant a preliminary injunction halting a new Kansas law that prohibits insurance companies from including abortion coverage in health plans, the AP/Houston Chronicle reports.

Suit Over Kan. Abortion Coverage Restrictions Could Be Bellwether
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A lawsuit filed in federal court on Tuesday against a Kansas law prohibiting private health plans from covering abortion care "stands to have big, national impact," Sarah Kliff writes on Ezra Klein's Washington Post blog.

ACLU Challenges Kan. Law Barring Insurance Coverage of Abortion
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri on Tuesday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., against a Kansas law that prohibits insurance companies from including abortion coverage in health plans, the Wichita Eagle reports.

White House Criticizes Abortion Funding Restrictions in D.C. Spending Bill
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Obama administration on Wednesday criticized a provision in a House spending bill that bans the District of Columbia from using local funds to pay for abortion care for low-income women, the Washington Post's "D.C. Wire" reports.

Abortion Issues Derail Approval of R.I. Health Exchange Bill
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
After a disagreement between the state House and Senate over language affecting private health insurance coverage for abortion care, the Rhode Island Legislature adjourned for the year without approving a bill that would establish a state health insurance exchange as required under the federal health reform law (PL 111-148), the Providence Journal reports.

W. Va. Bill Would Restrict Insurance Coverage of Abortion
Friday, February 18, 2011
The West Virginia House Banking and Insurance Committee endorsed a bill on Wednesday that would ban insurance companies in the state from covering abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life, the AP/Charleston Daily Mail reports.