The White House reached a deal with a group of antiabortion Democrats to ensure restrictions on publicly funded abortions, a move that may pave the way for landmark health-care legislation to pass the U.S. House of Representatives.

President Barrack Obama will issue an executive order after the bill passes "that will reaffirm its with longstanding restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion," the White House said in a statement. Rep. Bart Stupak, a leader of antiabortion Democrats, said he agreed to the deal.

The group of House Democrats signing on to the deal is seen by Democratic leaders as big enough to ensure that the measure will clear the House. Democrats need 216 votes for the bill to pass.