States Lead Abortion Debate

The fight over abortion and health care is getting new life from six states where lawmakers are trying to prevent coverage in some insurance plans. The fear that the new legislation might allow federal funds to foot the bill for abortions held up the vote's passage, but many anti-abortion advocates still think protections fall short. In some state legislatures, there is support for a bill that would ban coverage of abortion in health-care plans that are offered through exchanges. "Once an issue like this starts being debated in a state, everyone could become involved," said John Green, a scholar of religion and politics.