ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill into law restricting abortion coverage in plans for state employees and those sold on the insurance exchange as part of the federal health care law.

Deal signed the bill Thursday, and it takes effect immediately. The bill passed largely on party lines, with Democrats opposing it for infringing on a woman's right to choose and not providing an exception for rape.

The bill says abortion coverage cannot be provided except in the case of a medical emergency, in both the state employee health plan and plans offered through Georgia's federally run exchange.

The federal health care law allows states to draft legislation prohibiting abortion coverage in qualified health plans offered through an exchange. Supporters say at least 24 states have done so.