Trump Administration’s Decision on Fetal Tissue Research
Introduction to the Policy Change
The Trump administration announced Thursday that human fetal tissue derived from abortions can no longer be used in research funded by the National Institutes of Health.
By The Associated Press
The policy, long urged by anti-abortion groups, expands restrictions issued during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Background on Fetal Tissue Research
The government has funded research involving fetal tissue for decades, under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The tissue, which otherwise would be thrown away, has been critical for certain research, including ways to fight HIV and cancer. Opponents of fetal tissue use say there are now alternatives, although many scientists say there aren’t always adequate substitutes.
Statement from NIH Director
In a statement Thursday, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya acknowledged the agency “has long maintained policies governing the responsible and limited use of human fetal tissue in biomedical research.”
Its use has declined since 2019. The $47 billion agency counted just 77 projects funded in 2024 that included fetal tissue.
Previous Restrictions and Current Policy
The first Trump administration ended the use of fetal tissue on NIH’s campus and set up additional hurdles for non-government scientists seeking NIH funding, restrictions that were subsequently lifted by the Biden administration. Thursday’s new policy covers all NIH-funded research.
NIH documents say the policy doesn’t end the use of “cell lines” created years ago from fetal cells. Those are cloned copies of cells, such as embryonic stem cells, adapted to grow continuously in labs. Bhattacharya’s statement said NIH will soon seek comment about potential ways “to reduce or potentially replace reliance on human embryonic stem cells.”
Funding and Support
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s decision to halt the use of human fetal tissue in NIH-funded research marks a significant shift in the longstanding policy of using such tissue for medical research. While the move is seen as a victory for anti-abortion groups, many scientists express concern over the potential impact on critical research areas such as HIV and cancer. The future of research in these areas may depend on the development of adequate alternatives to fetal tissue.
FAQs
What is the new policy on fetal tissue research?
The Trump administration has announced that human fetal tissue derived from abortions can no longer be used in research funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Why was the policy changed?
The policy change was long urged by anti-abortion groups and expands restrictions issued during President Donald Trump’s first term.
What research areas may be impacted by this policy?
Research areas such as HIV and cancer may be impacted, as fetal tissue has been critical for certain research in these areas.
Are there alternatives to fetal tissue?
Opponents of fetal tissue use say there are now alternatives, although many scientists say there aren’t always adequate substitutes.
What about existing cell lines created from fetal cells?
The policy doesn’t end the use of “cell lines” created years ago from fetal cells, which are cloned copies of cells adapted to grow continuously in labs.
