Fetal research under fire: The influence of Abortion politics.

Summary

Since 1973, fetal research has repeatedly been used as a weapon in the war against abortion, miring important research in seemingly endless controversy. Government funding of fetal research has been suspended several times: A 1974 moratorium was lifted in 1975 after regulations concerning such research were promulgated; in 1985, a moratorium was placed on some federally funded fetal research; and in 1988, the assistant secretary for health halted all federally funded research on fetal tissue transplantation while an outside advisory panel examined related ethical, legal and scientific issues. The panel deemed such research acceptable, while also recommending that safeguards be established to separate abortion from transplantation research and to prevent profiteering from or encouragement of abortion. Although the report was forwarded to the assistant secretary in January, the moratorium has not yet been lifted by the new administration.

Introduction

Over the last several decades, scientists have added greatly to the store of knowledge about human disease and development and made many major advances-- among them the treatment of Rh incompatability and the development of the polio and rubella vaccines--as a result of the study of the human fetus and the use of fetal tissues. Recent research suggesting that transplants of fetal tissue may help in treating a variety of illnesses, from Parkinson's disease to diabetes, indicates that the need for fetal research undoubtedly will continue to grow.

Yet despite the obvious need for and the achievements of such studies, fetal research has been buffeted over the past 16 years by the political winds of the abortion controversy. Opponents of abortion seized upon fetal research as a political issue almost immediately after the 1973 Supreme Court decisions, and since then have repeatedly used it as a weapon in their war against abortion. In the process, they have succeeded in miring important research in seemingly endless controversy. Abortion foes in and out of government have worked to cut off or limit federal support for fetal research. Given the medical potential of such research, the withholding of government support represents a serious impediment to improving health.

What is Fetal Research?

Fetal research is an umbrella term encompassing several types of research activities, from studies on fetuses in utero to those using fetal tissue obtained from induced abortions. In utero research has been conducted for several decades and has led to major improvements in maternal and child health, such as the development of a vaccine to protect fetuses from Rh incompatibility (a condition that can cause miscarriage) and the development of several widely used techniques for diagnosing severe fetal defects. (*)