Texas governor signs bill to permanently ban taxpayer funding of abortion through health plans

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation to prohibit taxpayers from funding elective abortions through their health insurance plans. House Bill 214 (HB 214), which Abbott’s statement called “an important piece of the Governor’s pro-life agenda,” was championed by Sen. Brandon Creighton and Rep. John Smithee in a special session. The measure does not contain exceptions for rape, incest, or fetal abnormalities.
“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,” Abbott said. “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.”
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