Word: fetal
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Congress battles the President over fetal-cell transplants...
...last. Despite the presidential panel's recommendation, Presidents Reagan and Bush, bowing to pressure from antiabortion activists, decided to keep the moratorium on fetal-tissue research in place. This week the Senate is scheduled to debate whether to defy the Administration by overturning that ban. The House has already passed such legislation, and a majority of Senators seem ready to go along. But the proponents may not have enough votes to override an expected veto from Bush, who so far shows no sign of relenting on the transplant issue...
Bush is supported by much of the vocal pro-life movement, which argues that fetal-tissue research and transplants depend on murderous abortions -- and could, the pro-lifers claim, even encourage some pregnant women to have abortions they might otherwise decide against. On the other side of the battle are many medical researchers who think the experiments could lead to therapies for many diseases. They have been joined by an unusual coalition that includes victims of such diseases as Parkinson's and even by quite a few converts from the pro-life camp. Their tactic is to separate the issue...
Another test is due shortly. In a few weeks the Senate will affirm the House's decision to revoke the Federal Government's ban on fetal-tissue research. Unlike the freedom to paint what one chooses, this issue has severe consequences for millions of Americans afflicted with diseases like Parkinson's and juvenile diabetes. Because the tissue required to aid these sufferers comes from aborted fetuses, the Bush Administration has prevented federal support of the necessary research. For the conservatives who control U.S. health policy, the legal status of abortion is immaterial. "Yes, abortion is still legal," acknowledges James Mason...
Rights in Conflict? The Emergence of the Fetal Rights Doctrine and its Impact on Women's Rights--panel discussion by the HLS Civil Liberties Union and the Rutherford Institute. HLS, Austin Hall, 7:30p.m...