Senate Oks state employees abortion coverage ban

ATLANTA (AP) — In a dramatic vote, the Georgia Senate has approved legislation that would ban abortion coverage under the state employees' health care plan over the objection of several of the chamber's women, who called the proposal unnecessary and disrespectful.

Senate Bill 438 was debated for more than an hour before it passed by a vote of 33-18. Amendments to the bill were not allowed. Sen. Mike Crane, the bill's sponsor, urged support of the legislation as a vote to save taxpayer dollars and make a pro-life statement. He emphasized that the bill does not prevent abortions.

All seven Democratic women senators made statements opposing the bill. They locked arms in the Senate well and left the chamber upon passage of the vote.