COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina senators have rejected efforts to bar abortion coverage under the state health insurance plan for victims of rape and incest.
The 24-17 vote on Wednesday came in the midst of state budget debate as Republican state Sen. David Thomas of Fountain Inn tried to revive a measure the House had included in its version of the state's $5 billion spending plan.
But Republican state Sen. Mike Fair of Greenville was trying to limit the handful of abortions that are covered by requiring victims to report rape or incest within 48 hours.
Rape victims covered by the state health plan would have to submit to medical treatment within five days of the rape.
Fair said the six abortions the state covered last year were all needed to protect the mother's health.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
