[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 1997)]
[Pages 1545-1546]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without Approval 
Partial Birth Abortion Legislation

October 10, 1997

To the House of Representatives:

    I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1122, which would 
prohibit doctors from performing a certain kind of abortion. I am 
returning H.R. 1122 for exactly the same reasons I returned an earlier 
substantially identical version of this bill, H.R. 1833, last year. My 
veto message of April 10, 1996, fully explains my reasons for returning 
that bill and applies to H.R. 1122 as well. H.R. 1122 is a bill that is 
consistent neither with the Constitution nor sound public policy.
    As I have stated on many occasions, I support the decision in Roe v. 
Wade protecting a woman's right to choose. Consistent with that 
decision, I have long opposed late-term abortions, and I continue to do 
so except in those instances necessary to save the life of a woman or 
prevent serious harm to her health. Unfortunately, H.R. 1122 does not 
contain an exception to the measure's ban that will adequately protect 
the lives and health of the small group of women in tragic circumstances 
who need an abortion performed at a late stage of pregnancy to avert 
death or serious injury.
    I have asked the Congress repeatedly, for almost 2 years, to send me 
legislation that includes a limited exception for the small number of 
compelling cases where use of this procedure is necessary to avoid 
serious health consequences. When Governor of Arkansas, I signed a bill 
into law that barred third-trimester abortions, with an appropriate 
exception for life or health. I would do so again, but only if the bill 
contains an exception for the rare cases where a woman faces death or 
serious injury. I believe the Congress should work in a bipartisan 
manner to fashion such legislation.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
October 10, 1997.

[[Page 1546]]

Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available the 
President's earlier veto message, dated April 10, 1996.