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November 14, 2009

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Vote on bill to require birth control coverage postponed

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1999 | 8:22 a.m.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said Monday she'd like to wait until more is known about the way the employees' health plan will be administered. And more wording changes are needed.

Last week, the Legislature voted to turn over control of the health plan to Gov. Kenny Guinn. It has been overseen by the state Committee on Benefits.

Amendments to Titus' SB28, now in Senate Government Affairs, still include the defunct committee.

Titus says the bill is not about abortion, just birth control. Not all women can take oral contraceptives, and her bill would allow women a choice in birth control other than the pill.

At a hearing Friday, Sens. Jon Porter, R-Henderson, and Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, expressed concern that "morning after" pills could be covered by the insurance policy.

Titus accepted one amendment that would change one word -defining contraceptives as a prescription that prevents "conception" rather than pregnancy. Another amendment included a conscience clause. they should have the chance to be here," said O'Donnell.

A broader bill, AB60, backed by Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, would mandate birth control coverage in all health insurance plans.

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