Pa. Governor Corbett Will Sign Anti-abortion Coverage Bill

Associated Press

Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign a bill to prevent coverage of most abortions under policies offered in a federally-run insurance marketplace starting next year in Pennsylvania.

A spokeswoman for the Republican governor said Wednesday he’ll sign the bill, after the state Senate approved it, 31-19.

The bill withstood attempts by abortion rights proponents to expand its exceptions and allow the coverage as long as a person’s own money is used to buy it.

Critics say it expands restrictions on abortion rights and discriminates against poor women. Proponents say it’s in line with Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on taxpayer-funded elective abortions because the insurance marketplace will be run with taxpayer money.

It would allow policies covering abortions in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.