Senate pushes new restrictions on abortion

The state Senate made a surprise move Monday that would make it illegal for any state-sponsored insurance plan to pay for abortions.

The 34-15 vote, largely along party lines, sends House Bill 246 back to the House for consideration. HB 246 is an insurance bill that otherwise would allow the Georgia World Congress Center to make its own decisions related to employee benefits.

The language related to the insurance ban on abortions for state employees was added during a floor debate. The only exception to the proposed ban would be in cases to save a mother’s life, as added by Sen. Mike Crane, R-Newnan, and Senate Health and Human Services Chairwoman Renee Unterman, R-Buford.

The move prompted an emotional, hourlong debate, mirroring controversy seen last year over new restrictions on late-term abortions in Georgia — a bill that Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law.

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