Bush threatens to use veto over stem cell bill

Mr Bush's threat, delivered at a Catholic prayer breakfast in Washington, came two days after the Senate approved the bill, a similar version of which passed in the House as one of a batch of measures drawn up by the Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, to underline the return of a Democratic Congress.

Despite claims that stem cell research could unlock new treatments for hitherto incurable diseases, the President spelt out his opposition in unequivocal terms. "In our day there is a temptation to manipulate life in ways that do not respect the humanity of the person," he said. "When that happens, the most vulnerable among us can be valued for their utility to others instead of their own inherent worth." The latest bill would increase the number of stem cell lines for research by making available thousands of surplus embryos at fertility clinics. Donors would first have to give their consent, however, and would be banned from receiving any payment.

Mr Bush's rejection of the first stem cell bill, sent to him last year by the then Republican-controlled Congress, was the only time he has wielded his veto since entering the White House in 2001. This time the battle could be very close.

The Senate vote produced a clear-cut, 63-34 majority in favour of the measure - but four short of the two-thirds majority of 67 required to override a veto. In the House the arithmetic is much the same.

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