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Va lawmakers consider amended abortion bill

Posted at 1:24 PM, Apr 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-03 13:26:23-04

RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- Today lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle came together for one final shot to shoot down or move forward with any legislation that has passed during this year's session.

At noon today the legislators reconvened to consider for the last time dozens of bills.  One such hot-button topic surrounded Governor Bob McDonnell's amendments to health legislation--this includes an amended bill for Medicaid expansion.  Legislators were also considering a bill that would eliminate abortion coverage through insurance plans that have been purchased from the federally run health care exchange.

The only abortion coverage exceptions would be for victims of rape, incest or to protect the life of a pregnant woman.

CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth said lawmakers are divided.  And it's an issue that's expected to spill over into the governor's race.

"Democrats are very upset with this, we'll see whether they can stick together or not in the Senate to reject the amendment." Dr. Holsworth said.  "Most people think is going to be a difficult time and the governor is likely to get his will. But at t the end of today what's going to happen--I think-- is that this issue of abortion coverage in the federal health care exchanges could wind up at the center of the gubernatorial campaign."

In total Virginia lawmakers are reconsidering 6 pieces of legislation vetoed by the governor and 80 amended bill.