WASHINGTON — A last-minute compromise yesterday that swung a half-dozen anti-abortion Democrats behind President Obama’s health-care bill — virtually ensuring its passage — failed to placate outside activists on either side of the issue, and drew derision from Republicans.
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), leader of the anti-abortion bloc, said he was satisfied with an executive order issued by Obama affirming prohibitions in current law and in the health legislation against taxpayer money going to abortions.
“Make no doubt about it. There will be no public funds for abortion,” Stupak said in announcing the agreement yesterday ahead of a vote on the landmark health-care bill.
The National Right to Life Committee quickly issued a scathing statement disputing Stupak’s claim.
“The executive order promised by President Obama was issued for political effect. It changes nothing,” the group said. “It does not correct any of the serious pro-abortion provisions in the bill.”
Stupak was even called “a baby killer” on the House floor.
It wasn’t known if the epithet was hurled by someone in the visitors’ gallery or from one of Stupak’s colleagues on the floor, although some lawmakers suggested it came from a Republican member whom they would not identify.