K'zoo votes to allow abortion coverage

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - In a close vote Tuesday night, Kalamazoo County commissioners voted 10-7 to continue insurance coverage for employee abortions.

Commissioner Mike Quinn, a sponsor of the proposal that would have prohibited the county insurance from paying for procedures, told 24 Hour News 8 he is disappointed in the outcome of the vote.

Exceptions for women whose lives are in danger due to pregnancy and for victims of incest and rape were included in the proposal.

Although he is disappointed in the outcome, Quinn said he appreciated the citizens' input and hopes this opens the way for the community to have open discussions about important issues.

Quinn also was disappointed, he said, that a couple of commissioners who promised to support him didn't come through.

Commissioner Brian Johnson, an opponent of the proposal, said the commission saw the importance of the well-being of the employees and recognized they are capable of making their own moral and medical decisions.