Assembly Health Committee Holds Hearing on Bill Ending Abortion Coverage
"Once again, Republicans in our state make it a priority to take away health insurance coverage that women currently have."
Nicole Safar
MADISON – Today, the Assembly Health Committee held hearing on a bill that takes away insurance coverage for state employees. AB 128 would prevent insurance companies from offering abortion coverage in state employee health plan. These plans are paid for by the state employees. State insurance plans currently only cover therapeutic abortion care under the maternity coverage section.
In response, Nicole Safar, Director of Government Relations at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin issued the following statement:
“Once again, Republicans in our state make it a priority to take away health insurance coverage that women currently have. That’s what AB 128 does, ends existing coverage for women who are facing complicated pregnancies. This bill doesn’t prevent abortions, it compromises maternal health. No one plans for their pregnancy ending in a medical emergency, which is precisely why insurance coverage is so necessary. AB 128 would prohibit coverage for medical care needed by women who are facing catastrophic situations.
Hospital based pregnancy terminations oftentimes have significant medical expense, adding financial duress to emotional difficult situations.
“Women are tired of Wisconsin Republicans’ decade long obsession with over-regulating abortion policies instead of seriously pursuing policies that increase access to reproductive health care and help prevent unintended pregnancies. At Planned Parenthood, we understand that many people have complicated feelings about abortion, and everyone comes to the issue with their own values and life experiences. That is exactly why women and their doctors should be able to make these decisions without political interference.”
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin is the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. PPAWI engages in legislative and educational activity and works to elect candidates to office that support these goals.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
