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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| US House opposes abortion aid ban | US House opposes abortion aid ban |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| The US House of Representatives has voted to overturn a ban on aid to overseas groups practising abortion. | |
| The move was approved by 223 votes to 201, but it is unlikely to be signed by President George W Bush. | The move was approved by 223 votes to 201, but it is unlikely to be signed by President George W Bush. |
| Earlier this week the White House said he would veto any legislation weakening current federal policies on abortion. | Earlier this week the White House said he would veto any legislation weakening current federal policies on abortion. |
| The ban, introduced in 1984, prohibits US contraceptive aid being sent to foreign family planning clinics and organisations which practice abortions. | The ban, introduced in 1984, prohibits US contraceptive aid being sent to foreign family planning clinics and organisations which practice abortions. |
| Nita Lowey, the Democratic Representative who wrote the legislation, said that although the move would lift the ban, the prohibition on direct funding of abortions would remain. | Nita Lowey, the Democratic Representative who wrote the legislation, said that although the move would lift the ban, the prohibition on direct funding of abortions would remain. |
| She added that the bill would help "reduce unintended and high-risk pregnancies and abortions... and save the lives of mothers". | She added that the bill would help "reduce unintended and high-risk pregnancies and abortions... and save the lives of mothers". |
| Many Republicans disagree, saying aid, including condoms and other contraceptives, would free up resources for overseas organisations to perform abortions. | Many Republicans disagree, saying aid, including condoms and other contraceptives, would free up resources for overseas organisations to perform abortions. |
| "The violence of abortion will increase," said Republican Representative Christopher Smith. | "The violence of abortion will increase," said Republican Representative Christopher Smith. |
| The Democratic Party controls both houses of Congress. | The Democratic Party controls both houses of Congress. |