LINCOLN -- One of the most controversial subjects of the 2010 session of the Nebraska Legislature died a quiet death Wednesday.
Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell asked Wednesday to remove from debate this year her bill to resume government-funded prenatal care for about 1,500 low-income women, including about 800 illegal immigrants.
While the bill had the backing of the state's leading pro-life and medical groups, it brought vehement opposition from anti-immigration groups, as well as Gov. Dave Heineman, who opposes benefits for those here illegally.
The senator said the bill lacked the votes to advance and faced the prospect of an almost certain veto by the governor.
Campbell said it was "sad and disheartening" to see a policy of coverage that was more than 20 years old in Nebraska end due to a federal directive last fall.
While some people saw the needs of unborn children -- who automatically become U.S. citizens at birth under federal law -- others she said, only saw the mother who was in the U.S. illegally.
"I worry for our state, for the anger and frustration we are hearing" about immigration policy, Campbell said.
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