BOISE -- Idaho insurers would be exempted from a federal requirement they provide birth control for women, under a bill meant to counter changes called for in the 2010 federal health care overhaul.
Rep. Carlos Bilbao of Emmett said Thursday the federal mandate for insurers to provide contraception is an attack on his rights of conscience -- and an affront to his religious freedoms.
Bilbao's measure would exempt insurers from the requirement they provide coverage for abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization and contraception.
Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho opposed the bill, saying it would allow employers to deny basic health care to women.
Hannah Brass, lobbyist for Planned Parenthood, said the measure discriminates against women.
A vote was delayed until at least Monday, when additional testimony will be taken.
