ATLANTA (AP) — A bill making changes to employee benefits at a single state agency has evolved into an argument over abortion.

As a result, the Georgia Senate voted Monday to forbid any state employee insurance plan from covering abortion services, with the exception of those necessary to protect a pregnant woman's life or health.

Sen. Mike Crane offered an amendment to House Bill 246, which concerned employee benefits at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Newnan Republican says it will protect taxpayers from supporting a procedure they find immoral. His initial proposal did not include any life or health exceptions, but senators added those.

The revised amendment — and the bill — passed on a party line vote, with Democrats in opposition. The bill goes back to the House for further consideration.