Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Illinois Bill Expanding Public Financing For Abortion Faces Likely Veto On Governor's Desk
The Associated Press: Illinois Senate Approves Abortion Safeguards; Veto Likely
The Democratic-controlled Illinois Senate voted Wednesday to expand public financing for abortions and ensure legal access to the procedure across the state, although the measure likely awaits a veto by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Senators voted along party lines, 33-22, in favor of the plan, which would permit abortion coverage by state employee health insurance and Medicaid funds. It would also strike statutory language expressing the state's intent to criminalize the procedure if the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized it is ever overturned. (Sepeda-Miller, 5/10)
In other news —
The Associated Press: Alaska Lawmaker Censured Over Abortion Comment
The Alaska House voted Wednesday to censure a Republican member over comments he made suggesting there are women in Alaska who try to get pregnant to get a "free trip to the city" for abortions. The House voted 25-14 to take the highly unusual step of censure after hours of debate, during which Rep. David Eastman of Wasilla — who referred to himself as the "least politically correct legislator in our state" — said he was sorry he made the comments. (5/10)
