WASHINGTON - Courting a veto by President Clinton, the Republican-controlled Congress passed legislation last night to impose a ban on certain late-term abortions.

The measure would ban the rarely-used technique - termed ''partial birth abortion'' by its opponents - except in cases where it is essential to save the mother's life.

The vote in the House was 286-129, more than enough to override a threatened veto. Senate approval of the measure last year was by a narrower 54-44 vote that would sustain a veto.

House passage came after emotionally charged debate, and support for the measure crossed party lines.

The procedure is an ''offense to the conscience of mankind. This is something we need to stop now,'' said Rep. Charles Canady, R-Fla., a leading supporter of the legislation.

The procedure, which is a variation of more traditional abortions, is referred to by some doctors as ''intact dilation and evacuation.'' It involves partially extracting a fetus, legs first, through the birth canal, cutting an incision in the barely visib le skull base and then draining the contents of the skull.

By passing the measure, Republicans intend to confront Clinton with an election-year dilemma. Given the gruesome nature of the procedure involved - and lawmakers described it in graphic detail during debate - Republicans believe there is widespread public support for the bill. On the other hand, abortion rights groups whose support is important to the Democratic president oppose the measure as an infringement on a woman's right to choose.