DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad wants to end to a perplexing abortion restriction adopted in Iowa two years ago.
The Republican governor’s proposed Health and Human Services budget doesn’t renew a requirement that he sign off on any payments for publicly funded abortions. Lawmakers adopted that policy, which effectively halted state reimbursements for abortion under Medicaid because providers stopped submitting the claims.
Branstad spokesman Jimmy Centers says Tuesday the governor sought the change because Branstad hasn’t been asked to approve reimbursement.
Republican Rep. Matt Windschitl says anti-abortion conservatives still want to ensure public funds don’t go to abortions.
Iowa’s Medicaid program previously paid for a small number of abortions. Federal guidelines require payment in cases of rape, incest and to save the mother’s life. Iowa’s program also covered some fetal deformity cases.
