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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WA Legislature to consider abortion insurance

Associated Press
In the session that begins next week in Olympia, the Washington Legislature will consider a bill that would require private insurance companies that cover maternity care to also pay for abortions. The Seattle Times reports abortion rights groups will announce details at a news conference Sunday in Seattle. Supporters include Rep. Eileen Cody of Seattle, who heads the House health care committee. Dan Kennedy of the anti-abortion group Human Life of Washington says it will be vigorously opposed. It remains to be seen how the proposed legislation would be affected by the federal health care overhaul. Washington voters approved the abortion right in 1991, passing an initiative that also requires insurance funded by the state to cover the medical procedure.