Bills may make abortion more expensive in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) - A package of bills was approved by the Michigan Senate that would ban state health care exchanges and insurance companies from covering abortions.

The only exception would be if a woman's life was at risk.

There would be no exceptions granted for rape, incest or if a woman was likely to suffer health complications during the pregnancy.    

Senate bills 612, 613 and 614 passed mostly along party lines Thursday with most republicans voting yes.

Companies would be allowed to offer an optional rider, which would require an additional payment for supplemental coverage for an abortion.

Supporters of the bill say people shouldn't have to make payments into an insurance pool that covers abortion if the procedure goes against their moral beliefs.

Critics say abortions are usually a last-minute decision that patients don't anticipate when buying insurance coverage.

The bills now move to the Michigan House, where lawmakers are expected to vote next week.