LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Health care providers say more low-income women in Nebraska are waiting longer for prenatal care that helps protect their unborn children from health risks and complications at birth.
    
Providers said the increase stems from a 2009 federal order that has forced women to travel farther for check-ups, and prompted some to wait until late in their final trimester.
    
The issue has united religious, health care and social welfare advocates, who will urge the Legislature Tuesday to restore prenatal coverage for low-income women who no longer qualify.      
 
State officials estimate that 4,700 women would be eligible, including roughly 3,100 undocumented immigrants.
    
A bill by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish coverage for unborn children of mothers who were deemed ineligible for Medicaid.