The Nation - News from Sept. 22, 1989

The Senate voted to ease slightly restrictions for federally financed abortions, brushing aside outnumbered conservatives and flouting a White House threat to veto any attempt to liberalize regulations. Lawmakers on a voice vote agreed to legislation prohibiting federal assistance for abortions except for pregnancies that threaten the mother’s life or those caused by rape or incest “promptly reported” to authorities. Under current law, the only exception is for cases in which the woman’s life is endangered. Conservatives conceded they didn’t have the votes to block the provision, but said they will try to eliminate the language when House-Senate negotiators work to shape a compromise bill. The House version retains the current restriction.