The action, which reverses a Clinton administration stance, will be among the first policy moves of the new Republican administration and was leaked on the same day that abortion opponents staged their annual march on Washington.
Executive orders are possible at any time.
But a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the decision has been made and the executive order will be issued soon. Separately, the White House announced that President Bush will travel to Mexico next month, his first trip abroad as president. Mr. Bush will travel to Mexico on Feb. 16, said Mr. Fleischer. He will meet with President Vicente Fox and return to the U.S. later that day, Fleischer said. At that time, Mr. Bush promised to meet with Mr. Fox promptly.