WBRZ - Baton Rouge

President Barack Obama has signed an executive order saying that federal funds can't be used for elective abortions under the nation's new health care legislation.

Obama agreed to the deal to ensure passage of the health care overhaul that is central to his agenda. The deal won the votes of anti-abortion lawmaker Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan and a block of other House members who wanted assurances that existing federal policy would not change.

The order affirms a prohibition on federal funding of abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life.