On the recordDecember 1, 2016
Tissue or cells for these studies could be derived from another source than aborted babies, like premature natural demise infants whose parents are willing to donate. The other grants use fetal tissue when alternatives are easily available, like placenta, cord blood, or modified adult stem cells. Some grants even study adult macular degeneration. Research on adult macular degeneration should be conducted on adult donor eyes, but these grants are instead using fetal eyes from aborted infants--not because of science, but because of convenience. Madam Speaker, I know these things can be uncomfortable to discuss, but that is why the other side wants to avoid the facts and that is why this debate is so important. It is about conducting medical research in an ethical and just manner. So let's sit down and talk science with the NIH and others so that research works for everyone in an ethical and moral way.
