Signed by Governor Mike Beebe

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits health insurance plans offered through the state health insurance exchange from providing coverage for elective abortions.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a health plan offered through the state health insurance exchange from providing coverage elective abortions (Sec. 1).

• Defines “elective abortion” as an abortion provided for any reason other than to prevent the death of the woman or cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals to purchase supplemental coverage for elective abortions, but requires a separate premium to be paid outside the state health insurance exchange (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an issuer of a health insurance plan offered through the state health insurance exchange from reducing the premium based on an individual’s decision to purchase elective abortion coverage (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text