Key anti-abortion Democrat says talks continue and he’s hopeful, but ‘not there yet’

Key anti-abortion Dem says he’s hopeful on talks

WASHINGTON — The leader of a key bloc of anti-abortion House Democrats says he’s hopeful of an agreement that would allow him to vote for the health care bill.

Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan says he and a half-dozen other abortion opponents worked Saturday night with House leaders to craft a presidential executive order affirming current law barring federal funding for abortions.

But with the critical vote coming Sunday, Stupak tells MSNBC the issue is still not finalized, and unless it is, he and others will vote “no.”

Stupak wants a separate vote on anti-abortion provisions, but House leaders are looking to skirt that controversy with an executive order instead.

Stupak ally Marcy Kaptur of Ohio says she will support the health bill.