Bill Clinton in The New York Times 2020s

On Abortion: 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.