Health Care Debate Wades Into Abortion Restrictions
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — House Republicans are moving to license Minnesota abortion providers and ban taxpayer dollars for paying for the procedure.
The Republican-controlled House added both provisions to a health care budget bill on the floor Tuesday night. A handful of Democrats joined Republicans to approve the changes.
A final vote on the budget was expected later in the night.
Republicans say licensing abortion providers will improve safety for women. But Democrats argue the licensing requirement will only add financial burdens to clinics. They say the funding ban will only impact low-income Minnesota women and is sure to spur a legal challenge.
Minnesota's Supreme court struck down a similar ban in 1995.
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