Seven Reasons to Boycott the March of Dimes (July 2009)

Although pro-lifers have been boycotting the March of Dimes since the 1970’s, the general public seems unaware of the boycott and continues to support MOD. To help educate more people on the facts, we have provided a list of seven good reasons for boycotting MOD... more... July 2009

MARCH OF DIMES and Their Global Report on Birth Defects

The March of Dimes has released their Global Report on Birth Defects, The Hidden Toll of Dying and Disabled Children. This comprehensive summary and analysis of the available global data... more... April 2006

March of Dimes Ignores Abortion - Premature Birth Link

Although the March of Dimes officially takes a neutral stance on abortion, their actions often portray a pro-abortion position. Most recently, they have attempted to hide a clearly established link between abortion and premature births. March of Dimes, whose motto is "Saving Babies, Together", must be more vigilant in educating women who have had previous abortions of the need to receive adequate prenatal care during subsequent pregnancies. To read more about this issue, please click here. August 2003

MOD Involvement with Planned Parenthood

Read about the March of Dimes involvement with Planned Parenthood as expressed in a letter from the State Director of Communications for March of Dimes Tennessee affiliate. The letter was provided to a workplace campaign coordinator of Tennessee Right to Life in response to concerns raised by one of Tennessee RTL's member’s regarding the MOD “search and destroy” mission. Interestingly enough, the pro-life employee never mentioned Planned Parenthood. Click here to read a copy of the letter.

MOD Misses the Irony of Their Logo

March of Dimes has missed the irony of their logo. They are involved with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). Before human embryos are implanted into the womb by in-vitro fertilization, they are first screened for genetic imperfections or diseases... more... July 1999

March of Dimes Boycott

From WELS Lutherans for Life (PDF format)
NOTE: Requires ACROBAT-Reader (download now).

March of Dimes Responds to Fetal Tissue Research
Scanned letter (pdf)

FETAL TISSUE RESEARCH

Fetal tissue research has been conducted since the late 1800's and has provided most of our knowledge about development before birth. Such research uses cells and tissues from fetuses that are no longer alive. Living cells of fetal origin may be found in the amniotic fluid and membranes surrounding the fetus, in the placenta and in blood samples from the umbilical cord. They also can be gathered from fetal and blood or tissues after death. Fetal cells and tissues may be used for prenatal diagnosis, research into causes and treatment of birth defects, vaccine development,and experimental transplantation to treat certain diseases.

From 1989 to 1993, there was a ban on use of federal dollars for fetal tissue transplantation research. In 1993, the law was changed to permit the National Institutes of Health to conduct or support research on the transplantation of human fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes and establish limitations on and protection against use of fetal tissue that might encourage abortion. Approval by an ethics board, Institutional Review Board, and peer researchers is required.

MOD Practice

The March of Dimes has supported fetal tissue research through its history. Fetal tissue culture provided the key to development of the polio vaccine, and Dr. John Enders and his colleagues won a Nobel Prize for this breakthrough. Studies of fetal lung tissues led to a prenatal test for maturity of the unborn baby's respiratory lungs. Immunoglobulin from fetal white blood cells enabled researchers to understand the causes of diseases due to congenital deficiencies of the immune system. March of Dimes expert volunteers provide review on the scientific merits and ethical concerns
related to this and any other types of research. The Foundation also requires Institutional Review Board approval.

White the March of Dimes research designed to improve the outcome of pregnancy,
including fetal tissue research, we have consistently maintained neutrality on the issue of abortion. This policy is reflected throughout the organization's many programs, including research and other grants.

MOD Policy

The March of Dimes supports the use of fetal tissue research as one technique to broaden understanding of human biology and pregnancy outcome. The Foundation invests its resources in fetal tissue research as appropriate. Because the National Institute of Health is the largest source of funds for basic medical research, the March of Dimes supports current federal policy on fetal tissue transplantation, with its safeguards against abuse or incentives for abortion.

Join Our Campaign for Healthier Babies

References

• National Institutes of Health (1988) Report of Human Fetal Tissue
  Transplantation Research Panel.

• (1993, January). Presidential memorandum on fetal tissue transplantation
  research.

Life Issues Transcripts RE: March of Dimes

• Prenatal Diagnosis in Canada

• Status of Boycott by J.C. Willke, M.D.

• March of Dimes History-- Part 1 by J.C. Willke, M.D.

• March of Dimes History-- Part 2 by J.C. Willke, M.D