Washington state may require insurers to cover abortion

[DonViejo]

With Arkansas and North Dakota on a race to the bottom with draconian abortion laws, Washington stands up for women
BY KATIE MCDONOUGH

Washington lawmakers are currently debating a measure that would require almost all health insurers to cover abortion. A state Legislature actually wants to strengthen women’s access to abortion — and it’s not even April Fools’ Day!

The Reproductive Parity Act passed the Democrat-controlled statehouse in February, with a religious conscience exemption for employers and insurance carriers that oppose abortion. Supporters are optimistic that they will have the votes to pass the measure if it reaches the floor, but Democrats have a very narrow majority in the state Senate and a yes vote could prove tricky.

Democrats have 26 seats to the Republicans’ 23, but as the New York Times notes:

The Republican minority was joined in December by two Democrats, creating a bipartisan ruling group. The coalition’s majority leader, Senator Rodney Tom, a Democrat, supports abortion rights, but many of the members of the coalition he leads go the other way. That means that if the bill reaches the floor, passage would require a flip side of the leadership coalition — Democrats leading the yes votes, presumably with Senator Tom back among his old caucus.

more
http://www.salon.com/2013/04/02/washington_state_may_require_insurers_to_cover_abortion/

[ZombieHorde]

1. In my opinion, abortion should definately be covered by insurance. nt

[Horse with no Name]

4. It absolutely should

After all, abortion is a LEGAL medical procedure.

[LittleBlue]

2. I love this state

No matter what the crazy assholes do in the rest of the country, we can count on Washington to preserve our rights.

[silverweb]

3. Good!