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TIME - Man of the Year
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1992-09-10
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THE WEEK, Page 21NATIONThe Politics of Cells
Bush tries to fend off his first veto override, on fetal-tissue
research
Cells from the human fetus, harvested from elective
abortions, have shown promise as a source of therapy for many
incurable diseases. But four years ago, the Reagan Administration
banned the use of federal funds for fetal-cell research, arguing
that the practice would legitimize abortion.
Now the issue is back before George Bush. Having reached
a compromise that effectively removes abortion from the debate,
the Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favor of lifting the ban.
But no one knows if the House will pass the measure with enough
strength to override a sure veto from Bush. It is too close to
call. Faced with that uncertainty, Bush last week proposed
creating a bank to collect fetal tissue from ectopic pregnancies
and spontaneous abortions for research. But researchers quickly
responded that naturally aborted fetal cells are often damaged
and thus unusable for therapy. Looking for some political
leverage, Bush portrayed the vote as a loyalty test for
Republicans.