The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. October 14, 2011 House Backs New Abortion Restrictions -------------------------------------- The Republican-controlled House has approved new restrictions on access to abortion. The Protect Life Act would prevent any use of health insurance available under the new healthcare law for plans offering abortion coverage. The bill would also bar the federal government from denying funding to healthcare providers that refuse to offer abortions. Critics say the measure would allow providers to refuse abortions even in life-threatening circumstances. Democrats have vowed to block the bill if it comes before the Senate. .