Citizen Link report that concern over federal funding of abortion in the new US health care reform law has prompted several states to move toward "opting out."
Tennessee was first to get a bill to its governor that prohibits taxpayers from funding abortion. Lawmakers in Georgia, Oklahoma, Virginia and Louisiana are all considering similar measures.
Citizen Link report that Mary Harned, staff counsel with Americans United for Life, said AUL has model legislation ready for states to use, and many are taking advantage.
"There are currently 15 states that are actively working toward getting this done, and at least another 11 that we know of who are planning to do this.
Planned Parenthood has pledged to oppose the "opt out" bills, but many state officials say Congress overstepped its authority by passing the law in the first place.
"A lot of states feel that this is one area of abortion policies that has been very much in their control," [...] "Now, they're having to allow these plans that cover abortions to participate in these new exchanges
