House votes strict ban on abortion subsidies

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House has voted to prohibit coverage of abortions in a new government-run health care plan that Democrats want to compete with private insurers.

The 240-194 vote was a blow to liberals who would let the Obama administration decide whether to cover abortions in a government-provided insurance plan. Sixty-four Democrats joined 176 Republicans in favor of the prohibition.

The vote was on an amendment to a Democratic-written bill to provide health care insurance coverage to 36 million Americans who don't have it now. The amendment also prevents private insurers from covering abortions for anyone getting federal subsidies to help pay their premiums.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)