Stupak threatens to withhold support from health care bill unless abortion language changed

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Stupak: 12 Dems ready to oppose health care bill

WASHINGTON — A congressman who has played a key role in the long-running health care debate says he and 11 other Democrats will vote against the overhaul unless a provision subsidizing abortion is removed.

Rep. Bart Stupak argued Thursday that the provision in the Senate-passed version has language that would permit the federal government to “directly subsidize abortions.”

The Michigan Democrat said he supports health care change, but he said several Democrats who voted for it the House would oppose it next time around in the absence of change. Stupak said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that “we’re not going to bypass some principles that we believe strongly about.” The administration argues that Obama’s bill would retain existing restrictions on federally-financed abortions.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressman who has played a key role in the long-running health care bill debate says he and 11 other Democrats will vote against the overhaul bill unless a provision subsidizing abortion is removed.

Rep. Bart Stupak argued Thursday that the provision in the Senate-passed version has language that would permit the federal government to “directly subsidize abortions.”

The Michigan Democrat said he supports health care change, but he said several Democrats who voted for it the House would oppose it next time around in the absence of change. Stupak told CBS’s “The Early Show” that “we’re not going to bypass some principles that we believe strongly about.” The administration argues that Obama’s bill would retain existing restrictions on federally-financed abortions.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. SUBS 3rd graf to correct forum to ABC, sted CBS. Will be led. Moving on general news and financial services.)