Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) voted against a bill that would have permanently banned the use of taxpayer funds for abortions. The bill failed to advance past a procedural vote that fell mostly along party lines. Alabama's senior senator, Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), cosponsored the bill, which would have codified the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding provision in appropriations bills prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions. The bill also sought to ban the use of Obamacare subsidies for insurance plans that cover abortions. Jones's stance puts him at odds with a majority of Alabama voters. 58 percent in a Pew Research Center Poll said abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. In November, nearly 60 percent of voters approved a measure declaring it is state policy to "support the sanctity of unborn life." Jones is up for reelection in 2020.
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