Austin, Texas, Aug 15, 2017 / 13:45 pm
A new law in Texas removes elective abortion coverage from the standard package of health insurance benefits offered in many plans, a move that pro-life advocates hailed as a victory for those who do not want to subsidize abortion.
"As a firm believer in Texas values I am proud to sign legislation that ensures no Texan is ever required to pay for a procedure that ends the life of an unborn child," said Governor Greg Abbott upon signing House Bill 214 into law on Tuesday.
"This bill prohibits insurance providers from forcing Texas policy holders to subsidize elective abortions. I am grateful to the Texas legislature for getting this bill to my desk, and working to protect innocent life this special session."
Under the new law, elective abortions will not be covered in standard private or state employee health insurance plans, nor in public plans subsidized by the Affordable Care Act.
Abortions deemed to be necessary in cases of medical emergency will still be covered in standard plans, and optional separate coverage for elective abortions may be purchased by those who are interested.
"This isn't about who can get an abortion. It is about who is forced to pay for an abortion," said Rep. John Smithee, lead author of the bill.
The law was signed during a special legislative session. It had been approved by the House in a 95-51 vote last week, and by the Senate in a 20-10 vote on Sunday.
More than half of U.S. states limit coverage of abortion under the Affordable Care Act.
Heather Busby, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, denounced the law, saying it will negatively impact women who "need" abortions.
Another bill signed into law by Abbott on Tuesday requires doctors and health care offices to report additional details about abortion complications.
State Sen. Donna Campbell said during a debate on the legislation last month that "collecting this data is important to guarantee best medical practices."