Huckabee blocks Medicaid funding of teen's abortion.(Nation)

Washington Times, The, August, 1996 by Price, Joyce

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is defying an order from a federal judge by barring the use of Medicaid funds to pay for an abortion for a 15-year-old mentally retarded girl impregnated by her stepfather. Mr. Huckabee announced his intention Friday, saying his first obligation is to the Arkansas state constitution, which prohibits the use of tax dollars for abortions, except when the mother's life is in danger.

The governor's announcement came immediately after U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson declared that section of the state constitution "null and void," finding it in conflict with Medicaid regulations. Medicaid, a joint federal and state medical insurance program for the poor, pays for abortions in rape and incest cases. In a ruling in March, the...