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Utah House passes sixth substitute to curb public funding for abortions after heated floor debate
Summary
The House approved the sixth substitute of HB 123 restricting state-funded abortions with narrow medical exceptions after hours of debate and a failed amendment to add a 'severely defective fetus' exception; the measure passed 56-15 and will move to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 25 passed the sixth substitute to House Bill 123, a measure limiting public funding for abortions, after extended floor debate over medical exceptions and enforcement provisions. The chamber approved the substitute, 56–15, sending the measure to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsor Representative Philpott framed the bill as a funding question rather than a direct restriction on choice, saying, “This isn't about making a decision for someone. This is about funding and whether or not it is appropriate to ask the citizens of this state to fund abortions they disagree with.” The substitute narrows exceptions to the bill's funding prohibition to life, rape and incest and includes a provision vesting enforcement discretion with the attorney general and the Department of Health in certain circumstances.
Representative Daniels proposed adding an explicit exception for cases in which a fetus is “so severely defective that it cannot survive,” arguing for a narrowly defined medical exception. That amendment prompted sustained questioning about who would define 'severely defective' and whether current statutes already address death or nonviability before birth. Opponents, including Representative Wallace and others, urged caution about legislating detailed medical judgments and said existing law already covers many emergency or fatal‑fetal‑condition scenarios.
Debate also focused on enforcement language. The sponsor and supporters said the bill intentionally limits funding while leaving clinical determinations to medical professionals; opponents warned that tightening the statutory definition of health could have unintended clinical consequences. After multiple interventions and a division on an amendment, the House returned to the substitute and approved it by a 56–15 margin.
The bill now proceeds to the Utah Senate for further hearings and action.
Votes and next step: The sixth substitute passed the House 56 yes to 15 no and will be referred to the Senate.
