Missouri GOP Close Session With More Anti-Woman Legislation
http://www.care2.com/causes/missouri-gop-close-session-with-more-anti-woman-legislation.html
by Jessica PiekloMay 21, 2012
6:40 am
The bill states that no employer or health plan provider can be compelled to provide coverage or be penalized for refusing to cover abortion, contraception or sterilization if those items run contrary to their religious or moral convictions. The bill also gives the state attorney general grounds to sue other governmental officials or entities that infringe on the rights granted in the legislation. snip
This measure is a companion to another bill asking Missouri voters to decide whether the state should restrict the creation of a health insurance exchange as part of the federal overhaul of the insurance market. Under that bill, voters would get the final say on whether to enact a state law prohibiting the governor from establishing a state health insurance exchange. The federal health care law signed by Obama requires states to create such online markets by 2014 or have the federal government run one for them. The Missouri measure would allow a state-created insurance exchange only if specifically authorized by a state law or a subsequent vote of the people.