The Texas House of Representatives gave preliminary approval to a controversial bill Tuesday that requires women to pay an additional insurance premium if they want their health plan to cover non-emergency abortions, according to the Texas Tribune.
The bill, proposed by Rep. Jon Smithee (R), passed 95 to 51 after debates with House Democrats.
House Democrats fought to add exceptions to the bill such as insurance coverage for fetal abnormalities, rape or incest. House Republicans voted down all of the amendments.
Mr. Smithee defended his bill arguing it saves people with moral or religious objections from having to pay for abortions.
Democratic opponents denounced the bill, dubbing it "rape insurance" after the exceptions for rape and incest were voted down.
A final vote will occur in the House on Wednesday. The bill will then head to the Senate, which has previously approved similar measures.