ST. PAUL, Minn. - The state's plan for creating an online health insurance marketplace, a key element of the federal health care law, was facing an important vote Thursday in the Minnesota House that could open a contentious debate about abortion. A House-Senate conference committee approved the legislation late Wednesday, but in combining both chambers' versions of the bill, a House provision was removed that would have barred any insurance plans that covered abortions. Although Democrats control both chambers and have supported the plan, a dozen House Democrats supported that provision, which would be enough votes to block the bill if Republicans also vote against it.
