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House approves bill prohibiting use of state funds for abortions
Summary
The Utah House passed a measure to prohibit state funding for abortions after debate and a successful motion to end further debate; supporters framed it as a funding restriction, not a ban on abortion itself. The bill passed 57-13 and returns to the Senate.
Representative Phil Pott urged the House to adopt the third substitute to Senate Bill 68, saying the measure “is only dealing with a prohibition of public funding for abortions,” and is not a challenge to the legality of abortion itself.
Pott cited precedent and court decisions in arguing the state may limit its own funding for abortion services. He noted similar language in Colorado law and invoked Webster v. Reproductive Health Services in explaining that states may limit use of public buildings, resources and funds for performing abortions.
Representative Alexander moved the previous question to end debate; the motion passed on the floor by more than a two-thirds vote (the motion to cut off debate recorded 47 yes and 23 no). After brief summation, the House opened final voting and the third substitute to Senate Bill 68 passed the House 57 to 13. The measure will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
Following the vote, Representative Clark used personal privilege to apologize for earlier remarks, saying, “I sincerely apologize” and clarifying that he does not intend to deny women choice while stating his opposition to using state funds to pay for abortions.
The House’s action was procedural and legislative: proponents emphasized the funding-only focus of the bill; opponents registered dissent during debate and on the recorded vote. Next steps are transmittal back to the Senate for that chamber’s consideration.
