House Votes To Block Abortion Funding In Obamacare

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure Thursday evening by a vote of 251 to 172 that seeks to block any funds from being used for abortion in ObamaCare. 

The measure would prohibit tax subsidies from being used to purchase health insurance plans that included abortion coverage. In addition, it allows doctors and hospitals to refuse to perform an abortion if they have any objection to doing so. The measure passed with the support of all four Arkansas Congressmen, including all three Republicans and Democratic Congressman Mike Ross.

"President Obama’s 2010 health care law leaves open the possibility that U.S. taxpayers could be forced to pay for abortions," said Congressman Tim Griffin. "Unlike an Executive Order, which can be revoked at any time, the Protect Life Act would carry the force of law and defend the unborn."

The measure stands a tougher test in the Senate where Democrats hold a 53 to 47 majority and could block a vote on the measure by requiring 60 votes for cloture.  Arkansas Sen. John Boozman will vote for the measure while Sen. Mark Pryor – who has come down on both sides of the abortion issue – could be a critical swing vote.