Representative Bart Stupak of Michigan has until very recently been the leader of a group of anti-abortion Democrats opposing the health care bill. They worried the bill would allow federal funding for abortions beyond the current limits of cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life is in danger. However Obama attempted to calm Stupak and anti-abortion Dems by promising to issue an executive order that will solidify federal funding towards abortion. It worked; Stupak flipped sides and to the dismay (and anger) of House Republicans he not only voted for the passing of the bill but spoke against a Rebublican motion after to send the bill back to committee to amend its abortion language. The speech earned him a shout of "baby killer!" from an unidentified GOP house member(see video). This unruliness was perhaps justified; Stupak and the other half dozen like-minded Dems extremely late change in support were crucial in passing the bill, evident with the very tight victory. Many Republicans believe he "let them down." Either way with the outburst it is clear the abortion debate has wormed its way securely into the bill, even after its passage. It will be interesting to see if Obama follows through on his promises of an executive order!
Baby Killer Video
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