McRae, a very different Supreme Court upheld the Hyde Amendment by a slim five-to-four vote.

FORBES: Should The Government Fund Abortions?

But a law called the Hyde amendment bars federal funding for abortion, except in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother.

ECONOMIST: Religion is causing the president headaches

The Hyde Amendment of 1976 nixes the use of taxpayer funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

FORBES: Federal Budget Showdown: A Question Of Women's Rights Vs. Fight

Indeed, most federal funding has been banned for abortion for more than three decades under the Hyde amendment, named for the late Illinois House member and anti-abortion icon Henry Hyde.

NPR: Senators Announce Tentative Deal On Public Option

Does he believe that the Stupak amendment enshrines Hyde, in terms of the health care exchanges, or goes beyond it?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

But opponents of Nelson's amendment said it would go much further than the Hyde language.

NPR: Senators Announce Tentative Deal On Public Option