Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Indiana Abortion Ban Goes To Governor's Desk
The Associated Press: Indiana: Bill Banning Abortions For Genetic Causes Goes To Governor
Gov. Mike Pence stressed his anti-abortion convictions on Friday, leaving fellow conservatives to believe he will sign a measure making the state the second to ban abortion in cases in which a fetus has a genetic abnormality, such as Down syndrome. In addition, the bill would ban abortions because of race, gender or ancestry. Mr. Pence, a Republican, co-sponsored legislation as a member of the United States House in 2011 that would have prohibited abortions sought because of gender. (3/11)
The Associated Press: Grant Program For Anti-Abortion Centers Passes Georgia House
Georgia would provide state-funded grants to "pregnancy resource centers" that offer medical care, counseling and other services to pregnant women while discouraging abortion, under legislation that easily passed the state House on Friday. The state Senate approved the measure on party lines last month. Senators must agree to some minor changes before the proposal can head to Gov. Nathan Deal's desk. To be eligible, facilities cannot encourage or discuss abortions as an option or refer women to clinics that perform abortions, except when the mother's life is threatened. (3/11)
And Missouri's latest efforts to defund Planned Parenthood —
The Associated Press: Future Uncertain For Proposal To Defund Planned Parenthood
Missouri lawmakers' effort to strip Planned Parenthood of any state money faces an uncertain path forward. While the House passed a budget this week that bars any entity that provides or counsels a woman to get a non-emergency abortion from receiving Medicaid reimbursements, courts have blocked similar attempts in other states and the Senate's budget writers have so far declined to endorse the effort. (Aton, 3/12)
