Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that would restrict insurance coverage for abortions.
The bill would require those who want to purchase insurance for abortion to buy a supplemental plan, separate from the plans set up by state exchanges under the Affordable Care Act.
The law would protect those who are opposed to abortion from having to subsidize the cost of insurance for the procedure.
New law signed to ensure no Texan is required to pay for a procedure that ends the life of an unborn child. https://t.co/LYfE9jFm1opic.twitter.com/bYTWunoglO
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) August 15, 2017
“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,” Gov. Abbott said. “This bill prohibits insurance providers from forcing Texas policyholders 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.”
The bill, which passed both chambers of the Texas legislature earlier this month, applies to “elective” abortions and includes an exemption for medical emergency when the life of the mother is at risk.
According to Life Site News, only 10 other states have restricted the use of taxpayer funds for abortion insurance: Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah.