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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Ban on State Funded Abortions Debated in IL

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois is taking steps to repeal decades-old provisions in state law that deny abortion coverage for women on Medicaid and those covered by state employee health insurance.

According to opponents of House Bill 4013, public money should not be used to support or promote elective abortions. However, Brigid Leahy, director of government relations for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, argued that it's about fairness. She said insurance programs need to provide all women with the comprehensive health care they need.

"These laws went on the books about 30 years ago when there was a lot of activity post-Roe," she said, "and these laws are stemming from politics. They're not stemming from good health policy."

The Illinois Federation for Right to Life and the Catholic Bishops of Illinois are among those advocating against the bill, saying taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortions. But Leahy countered that these groups don't want any woman to have access to abortions.

"Sometimes they argue that when it comes to government programs, we should treat abortion differently," she said, "but, quite frankly, the organizations that are opposed to this, they don't women to have access to abortions even if she's paying for it out of pocket or if she has it through private insurance. "

Leahy said all women should have coverage for a full range of reproductive health care that allows them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

"No matter where your coverage comes from," she said, "you should have equal access and you should have equitable coverage."

The bill passed the House Human Services Committee along party lines and was referred to the Rules Committee.

Meanwhile, the House could vote on another abortion-related measure this week. Senate Bill 1564 would prohibit medical providers from refusing to give patient care or information that conflicts with the provider's religious beliefs.

Details are online for HB 4013 and SB 1564.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

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