Title: Restricting insurance coverage of abortion. State policies in brief as of August 1, 2005.

POPLINE Document Number: 290083

Corporate Author(s):

Alan Guttmacher Institute [AGI]

Source citation:

New York, New York, AGI, 2005 Aug 1. [2] p.

Abstract:

Compared with abortion issues that have grabbed significant media and public attention, state requirements governing private insurers’ coverage of abortion have, by and large, remained below the radar screen. A handful of states prohibit private insurers from covering abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment; more extensive coverage may be purchased at an additional charge. Lawsuits challenging these restrictions have had mixed results: In 1986, a federal appeals court invalidated Rhode Island’s requirement that private insurers exclude coverage of most abortions; in 1992, however, a federal district court upheld a similar Missouri statute. More often, states have banned abortion coverage in public employees’ insurance policies or in other cases where public funds are used to insure employees. These policies range from prohibiting coverage for abortion services altogether to offering coverage only when necessary to preserve the woman’s health and life or in cases of rape, incest or fetal abnormality. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Summary Report
Abortion
Health Insurance
Pregnancy, High Risk
Policy
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Financial Activities
Economic Factors
Pregnancy
Reproduction