NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation that would prohibit Tennessee tax dollars from being used for abortion services is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The bill sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairwoman Diane Black of Gallatin was approved 27-3 by the Senate Monday evening. It passed the House 70-23 earlier this month.

Sponsors say the federal health care bill allows states to opt out of abortion funding within new insurance plans that they're required to start. They say their proposal makes sure that Tennessee tax money doesn't pay for abortions within those plans.

Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to review the measure once it reaches his desk.

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Read SB2686/HB2681 at http://capitol.tn.gov

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