Lawmaker proposes bill barring abortion coverage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A Lexington lawmaker has drafted legislation that would specifically preclude insurance plans made available to Kentuckians under federal health care reforms from paying for abortions.

Republican state Rep. Stan Lee said Wednesday he intends to push for the legislation when lawmakers convene in January, despite assurances from Gov. Steve Beshear's administration that abortions won't be covered.

Lee said he'd prefer to have the prohibition clearly spelled out in law, "just to make sure."

Responding to concerns earlier this year, the Kentucky Department of Insurance posted a notice on its website saying coverage for "elective abortions" won't be offered. That notice said doing so "would be a violation of state law and has never been considered."

Much cooler conditions behind the front