DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa House has approved a measure calling for new restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars to pay
for abortions.

The House backed the measure Wednesday night on a 57-37 vote.

It would ban public funding of abortions except in cases where the procedure is needed to save the life of the mother. Current law allows taxpayer-funded abortions in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

The vote came as the House debated a larger measure paying for human services programs.

Critics say the measure is unfair to low-income women but supporters say public money shouldn’t pay for a procedure that many people oppose.

The spending measure will go to the Senate, where opposition to the abortion change is expected.