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January 13, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Senate to Repeal Law Shielding Drug Giants"

Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) (01/11/03) P. A4; Dewar, Helen

Senate Republican leaders have agreed to repeal legislation designed to help protect big pharmaceutical companies from lawsuits by parents who allege that their children's autism was caused by a vaccine preservative--a move seen by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) as a victory over special interests.  Republican aides say that the repeal, which is included in a "must-pass" omnibus spending bill that may hit the floor next week, would permit most or all of the pending lawsuits to continue.  It would also commit the Senate to vote within six months on a bill to ensure the development and production of vaccines, as well as providing redress for those injured by vaccines.

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