Various news outlets reporting that Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), and a group of anti-abortion lawmakers, will likely vote for the health care bill after agreeing to support an executive order reaffirming current law on abortion coverage.
Watch MSNBC’s coverage:
While it’s unclear what the executive order will say, some pro-choice sources close to the negotiations are suggesting that Obama will reaffirm the Senate language – ensuring that public dollars don’t fund non Hyde abortions — without going any further in restricting access. In other words, the order would likely recognize current law without codifying the Hyde amendment.
Significantly, the promise of an executive order also protects Democrats from losing several pro life votes to a Republican motion to recommit on abortion.
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