Abortion restrictions imposed by the US House of Representatives may only mean a small number of women cannot easily afford the procedure, it has been reported.
The new government-run public insurance plan would not cover abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or when the pregnancy endangers a woman's life, to ensure that taxpayers' money does not fund the procedure.
Those on federal subsidies buying insurance on a healthcare exchange would also be banned from buying policies that cover abortion, unless this is paid for with their own money. Legal abortion supporters fear this may mean many insurers stop offering abortion coverage to streamline their plans.
Nine out of 10 abortions occur in the first trimester and cost an average of $413 (£248), which would be a difficult sum for some women, but for many who pay for private insurance without abortion, it would be possible to pay out of their own pocket.
However, late-term procedures, which can take several days and cost $5,000 (£3,000), would be more expensive but only account for 1% of all abortions.
Copyright © Press Association 2009