BRIEF: State Senate votes to bar abortion coverage on state workers’ health plans

Feb. 20--The state Senate has passed a bill to prohibit state health insurance programs from covering abortions for state workers, sending it to the desk of Gov. Scott Walker.

State health insurance plans currently cover only medically necessary abortions. The bill would allow coverage only in cases of rape or incest or if a doctor certifies the abortion is needed to save the woman's life or avoid long-term damage to her health.

The Senate passed the bill on an 18-14 party-line vote, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed.

The bill passed the state Assembly last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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