Republicans pass bill banning taxpayer money for abortions

Bill passes on 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade

GOP led House passes abortion bill on Roe V Wade Anniv

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing a woman's right to choose, the Republican controlled House of Representatives passed legislation banning the use of any taxpayer money for abortions.

The bill passed in a 242-to-179 vote, with three Democrats joining the band of GOP supporters. Meanwhile, another proposal to ban "late-term" abortions was suddenly pulled, because some Republicans argued it was too extreme.

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President Barack Obama has promised to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

In Jacksonville, about 600 anti-abortion protesters marched outside the federal courthouse at Monroe and Hogan streets in Downtown. The demonstration lasted about an hour.

The vote came as tens of thousands of anti-abortion rights activists descended on the National Mall in Washington for the annual "March for Life." 

About 50 Catholic high school students in Florida made their voices heard outside the state capital in Tallahassee.

"Hopefully, soon, everyone will come to recognize that the unborn is just as worthy as me or you," said Teresa Conroy, a Catholic high school student.

Deidre Macnab, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, said, "Today's anniversary reminds us of the year women got the right to vote. And part of women controlling their lives and their destiny is having their choice over their reproductive parts and their future." 

Pro-Choice groups are also holding a candlelight vigil in Tallahassee on Thursday night.