The state Senate Committee on Health and Safety passed a bill Thursday that would deny state employees insurance coverage for abortions and contraceptives.
The bill would stop taxpayer dollars from funding state employees abortions and contraceptives and also would exempt religious organizations from being required to pay for contraceptives for their employees.
State Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, the author of a similar bill in the state Assembly said that the bill would make Wisconsin consistent with federal law.
“[The bill] is respecting the conscience of citizens that public dollars are not spent for abortion related activity,” Jacque said.
In a previous state Senate session, Republicans passed a bill that requires women to receive an ultrasound before continuing with an abortion. State Democrats continue to condemn legislation they say interferes with citizens’ rights to abortion and contraceptive services.
The state Senate is scheduled to take the bill up in a floor session Tuesday.
