The New York Times 2020s: on Abortion

Bill Clinton: Allow medical research that uses tissue from aborted fetuses

But scientists say the tissue is crucial for studies that benefit millions of patients. Critics say it also fit a pattern by the administration of diminishing the role of science and research in policymaking, including on climate change and tariffs.

Shortly after he took office, President Bill Clinton lifted a five-year ban on fetal tissue research imposed by Presidents Reagan and Bush. The fight flared again in 2015, after anti-abortion activists released doctored videos they secretly took, purporting to show Planned Parenthood officials discussing plans to illegally sell aborted fetal tissue for research. House Republicans began an investigation of the fetal-tissue market; a number of states also investigated but found no wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood.

Donald Trump: End medical research that uses tissue from aborted fetuses

The move goes a long way toward fulfilling a top goal of anti-abortion groups that have lobbied hard for it. But scientists say the tissue is crucial for studies that benefit millions of patients.

"Promoting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death is one of the very top priorities of President Trump's administration," the department said in a statement. It added that about 200 research projects involving fetal tissue and conducted at universities with N.I.H. grants would be allowed to continue until their funding expires, but that ethics advisory boards would review and recommend whether to fund future individual projects involving aborted fetal tissue.

Johnny Isakson: Returned from surgery to defund Planned Parenthood

Democrats all voted against the bill, as did two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski have long opposed attacks on funding Planned Parenthood, which they argue provides services for women in areas with scarce health care options.

Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, who returned after two back surgeries, was cleared by his doctors to travel for one day only to help pass the measure, but it took Pence's final vote to break the 50-50 tie. The measure will now head to Trump's desk, a onetime supporter of Planned Parenthood who adopted an anti-abortion rights position during the campaign.

Kirsten Gillibrand: Abortion is the human right to bodily autonomy

Ms. Gillibrand, long a prominent advocate for issues affecting women, has placed herself at the forefront of the debate, hoping that some primary voters may factor the new measures into their decisions. "Why should male legislators across this country decide when you are having children, how many and under what circumstances?" she asked Sunday, her voice rising. "I don't understand it. It's a human right. It's about having bodily autonomy. It's about being able to control your physical self."

She did not specifically address third-trimester abortions (which account for less than 1.5% of abortions), even when the audience member asked a second time.

Lauren Witzke: Abortion is extermination of minorities

Mike Pence: Tie-breaker vote to defund Planned Parenthood

Democrats all voted against the bill, as did two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski have long opposed attacks on funding Planned Parenthood, which they argue provides services for women in areas with scarce health care options.

Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, who returned after two back surgeries, was cleared by his doctors to travel for one day only to help pass the measure, but it took Pence's final vote to break the 50-50 tie. The measure will now head to Trump's desk, a onetime supporter of Planned Parenthood who adopted an anti-abortion rights position during the campaign.

Steve Scalise: Don't subsidize research on tissue from aborted fetuses

Shortly after he took office, President Bill Clinton lifted a five-year ban on fetal tissue research imposed by Presidents Reagan and Bush. The fight flared again in 2015, after anti-abortion activists released doctored videos they secretly took, purporting to show Planned Parenthood officials discussing plans to illegally sell aborted fetal tissue for research. House Republicans began an investigation of the fetal-tissue market; a number of states also investigated but found no wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood.

Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the No. 2 House Republican, declared, "The government has no business subsidizing researchers that traffic the body parts of aborted babies."

Francis Suarez: Exceptions for rape, incest and life-threatening emergencies