Gov. Bob McDonnell proposed an amendment Monday that would prohibit abortion coverage in health insurance plans purchased through the federal health care exchange that will soon be available in Virginia.
The amendment, which also prevents individuals from purchasing abortion coverage in addition to a regular health insurance plan, must now be approved by the General Assembly.
“No qualified health insurance plan that is sold or offered for sale through an exchange established or operating in the Commonwealth shall provide coverage for abortions, regardless of whether such coverage is provided through the plan or is offered as a separate optional rider thereto,” the amendment reads.
The amendment was added to the health insurance reform recently passed by both houses of the Virginia legislature that will bring Virginia up to code with the Affordable Care Act.
The only exceptions would be for rape, incest or cases where the life of the mother is at risk.
“This would affect approximately 50,000 Virginia women who are expected to use Virginia’s health exchange,” according to NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia.
Steve Pazmino, the executive director of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus, said he sees the Governor’s action as an intrusion upon the private marketplace.
“It’s not the governor’s business to decide how people should spend their money, and the governor has no place to dictate how women and insurance companies decide healthcare for women,” Pazmino said.
Sen. Charles W. Carrico, R-Grayson, however, embraced McDonnell’s amendment.
“This is something that Virginia has taken a position on over the past few years [and] this needs to be done to protect life of the unborn,” Carrico said.
The General Assembly will reconvene April 3 to consider the change and other amendments to bills that McDonnell submitted.
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