WASHINGTON — Last night’s historic health-care legislation included a major compromise: a ban on federally funded abortion under a new government-run plan.
Conservative Democrats proposed the amendment, which passed, 240-194, late Friday as a way to break the impasse on the bill. Last night, 64 Democrats joined 176 Republicans in supporting the measure.
“The members on this issue have to be able to vote their conscience,” said Rep. Bart Stupak, who proposed the amendment, which bars any woman who receives federal subsidies to help cover insurance costs from having an abortion under the plan.
Exemptions include cases of rape and incest or when the woman’s life is in danger.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops said it would support the bill if the restrictions were in place, granting cover to Democrats who don’t support abortion rights.
The vote dealt a serious blow to liberals, who had lobbied to leave the decision on abortion coverage to the secretary of Health.