PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota Senate committee is considering a bill that would provide prenatal care to pregnant women who are in the country illegally.
The Health Committee heard testimony last week on the bill and plans to vote on it Monday. The bill previously was approved by the House.
Supporters say medical care should be provided to protect unborn children even if their parents are illegal immigrants. Opponents contend the state should not spend money on something that would encourage illegal immigration.
The measure's main sponsor, House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton, says money spent on prenatal care would help make sure more babies are born healthy. He says that would reduce spending to care for seriously ill babies.
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