**President Obama has stepped up his efforts to gain support for his embattled healthcare reform bill by giving an interview to US Fox News.**The broadcaster has been criticised by the White House for its perceived rightwing bias.
Facing tough questioning, Mr Obama expressed confidence that the bill would finally be passed.
Mr Obama’s plan received a boost from Congressman Dennis Kucinich, who says he will now support the bill.
Several Catholic religious orders said they were now satisfied it would not allow public money to be used for abortions and also voiced their backing for Mr Obama’s plan.