The latest liberal attempt to declare pro-life convictions un-American failed last week. After hesitating for two months, the Bush administration finally appointed W. David Hager, a University of Kentucky obstetrician-gynecologist, to the Food and Drug Administration's advisory committee for reproductive health drugs.

Planned Parenthood President Gloria Feldt called the appointment of Dr. Hager and two other gutsy pro-life doctors, Joseph B. Stanford of the University of Utah and Susan A. Crockett of University of Texas Health Center at San Antonio, "a Christmas gift to religious extremists." Dr. Hager had drawn particular fire because he has vigorously questioned the safety to mothers of the abortion pill RU-486 (mifepristone).

WORLD on Nov. 1 strongly advocated Dr. Hager's appointment.