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Senate passes bill restricting public funding for abortions after hours of debate
Summary
The Utah Senate passed the first substitute to Senate Bill 68 on Jan. 22, 2004, prohibiting state or political-subdivision funding — directly or indirectly — for induced abortions. Debate centered on the meaning of 'indirect' funding, PEHP’s status, and narrowly drawn medical exceptions; the measure passed 22–6 and will go to the House.
The Utah Senate voted 22–6 on Jan. 22 to pass the first substitute to Senate Bill 68, a measure that would bar state and political-subdivision funds from being used, directly or indirectly, to pay for induced abortions. Senator Bramble, the bill’s sponsor, argued the move was to prevent taxpayers from being forced to subsidize procedures they find objectionable.
"It says very clearly... taxpayers will not be forced to pay for a procedure that they find reprehensible," Senator Bramble said on the floor as he closed debate. The bill, as presented, lists limited exceptions and defines when a physician may certify an abortion is necessary to prevent permanent, irreparable and grave…
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