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More than 180 House members sent a letter to House Democratic leaders on Wednesday , calling for upcoming spending bills to maintain longstanding anti-abortion provisions.

"These measures ... reflect the moral concerns of many Americans who do not wish to see their tax dollars used for any organization that provides abortion services," said the letter.

The letter asks House Democratic leaders to maintain provisions such as the Hyde Amendment, in effect since 1976, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions except in limited cases.

Often called "pro-life riders," these provisions are usually included in spending bills by congressional committees.

"We believe a failure to include all of the current policies with regard to the right to life will mark a radical departure from a policy a majority of Americans support," the letter said.

Most of the letter's signees are Republicans, including House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio and Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va.

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