The Politics of Cells

CELLS FROM THE HUMAN FETUS, HARVESTED FROM elective abortions, have shown promise as a source of therapy for many incurable diseases. But four years ago, the Reagan Administration banned the use of federal funds for fetal-cell research, arguing that the practice would legitimize abortion.

% Now the issue is back before George Bush. Having reached a compromise that effectively removes abortion from the debate, the Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favor of lifting the ban. But no one knows if the House will pass the measure with enough strength to override a sure veto from Bush. It is too close to call. Faced with that uncertainty, Bush last week proposed creating a bank to collect fetal tissue from ectopic pregnancies and spontaneous abortions for research. But researchers quickly responded that naturally aborted fetal cells are often damaged and thus unusable for therapy. Looking for some political leverage, Bush portrayed the vote as a loyalty test for Republicans.