March of Dimes Boycott
Update from WELS Lutherans for Life (PDF format)
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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
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