Leading Democratic abortion foe reaches agreement on health with White House, party leaders

Leading abortion foe reaches pact on health care

WASHINGTON — A leading Democratic abortion foe in the House says he has reached agreement with the White House and party leaders to make sure health care legislation does not permit the use of federal funds for elective abortions.

Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan said Sunday the agreement means he can now support a health care bill headed for a vote on the House floor later Sunday.

Six other Democrats joined Stupak at a news conference, called minutes after the White House issued the text of an executive order that will carry out the agreement.