Washington, D.C. ? House Republicans opposed to abortion rights failed Wednesday in their bid to pass a controversial measure that would have required women seeking abortions to be informed that some fetuses feel pain.

Although it was clear the bill would have stalled in the Senate, the abortion opponents hoped the House vote would provide a symbolic victory before control of Capitol Hill passes to Democrats in January. Instead, the vote dealt social conservatives a final setback in a two-year congressional session that has not produced a major piece of anti-abortion legislation.

The bill received majority support, 250-162. But that fell short of the two-thirds margin required under rules that limited debate.

In the Kansas delegation, Rep. Dennis Moore voted against the bill, while Reps. Jim Ryun, Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran voted for it.