George H.W. Bush: “National Institutes of Health Revitalization Amendments of 1992 June 23, 1992 To the House of Representatives: I am…”

“National Institutes of Health Revitalization Amendments of 1992 June 23, 1992 To the House of Representatives: I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 2507, the ``National Institutes of Health Revitalization Amendments of 1992,'' which would extend and amend biomedical research authorities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Before discussing the flaws of H.R. 2507, I must clarify two misperceptions. First, H.R. 2507 is not necessary to assure that Federal spending continue for biomedical research, or for research related to any disease, disorder, or condition. Second, H.R. 2507 is not necessary to increase support for research targeted at women's health needs. Great progress is being made in the area of women's health under the valued leadership of the first female director of the NIH. H.R. 2507 is unacceptable to me on almost every ground: ethical, fiscal, administrative, philosophical, and legal. I repeatedly warned the Congress of this at each stage of the legislative process. The bill's provisions permitting the use of tissue from induced abortions for federally funded transplantation research involving human subjects are inconsistent with our Nation's deeply held beliefs. Moreover, it is clear that this legislation would be counterproductive to the attainment of our Nation's health research objectives. H.R.…”