Bill > SB29

This bill, titled the "Federal Abortion-Mandate Opt-Out Act," aims to prevent federal tax dollars from subsidizing health insurance plans that cover abortions within Georgia. It acknowledges that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) allows states to opt out of permitting such plans to participate in state exchanges, thereby prohibiting taxpayer money from funding abortions. The bill asserts that Georgia has a long-standing policy to limit public funds for abortions and that citizens oppose using public funds for them. Therefore, the bill amends Georgia law to prohibit any qualified health plan offered through an exchange in Georgia from providing abortion coverage, with a specific exception for abortions necessary to save the life of the mother. The bill also clarifies that it does not create or recognize a right to abortion and does not make any currently unlawful abortion lawful, and it provides for the General Assembly to intervene in any legal challenges to its constitutionality.