CNA Staff, Jan 28, 2021 / 00:42 am
The bishops of Virginia lamented the House of Delegates’ “tragic decision” to pass legislation that would permit abortion coverage for any reason in taxpayer health insurance plans on the state’s taxpayer-funded health exchange.
“Replacing the current life-saving restrictions on abortion with a policy of abortion coverage without limits in our state exchange is drastic, dangerous and will result in the tragic end to more unborn lives,” said Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington and Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond in a January 26 statement.
The statement came in response to legislation passed by the House earlier that day. In a 55-45 party line vote, the chamber approved House Bill 1896, which would allow taxpayer-funded elective abortions.
With the federal passage of the Affordable Care Act, Virginia set up a health exchange allowing for citizens to shop for health plans on the state’s “marketplace.” The proposed legislation would remove a phrase state that health plans offered on Virginia’s exchange would not cover abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk due to the pregnancy.