Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2023 This bill restricts research that uses human fetal tissue from an induced abortion. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from conducting or supporting such research. Additionally, the bill applies requirements on the research of transplantation of fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes to research on fetal tissue in general. The bill also prohibits soliciting or acquiring a donation of human fetal tissue from an induced abortion, other than for purposes of an autopsy or burial.
This bill intends to ensure that federally funded research maintains a clear delineation from practices that involve aborted fetal tissues. In addition, it sets forth regulations that would limit the scope of research in the field of fetal tissue transplantation and therapeutics. The restrictions could potentially hinder certain avenues of medical research, particularly those that might have benefited from fetal tissue, such as studies related to vaccines and genetic vectors.
House Bill 398, titled the 'Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2023', proposes amendments to the Public Health Service Act aimed at prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from conducting or supporting any research involving human fetal tissue obtained through induced abortion. This legislative move is grounded in ethical considerations surrounding the use of fetal tissue in medical research, reflecting a growing trend towards restricting such practices.
The discussion surrounding HB 398 raises notable contention, particularly regarding the implications for scientific advancement and healthcare. Proponents argue that the bill protects ethical standards in medical research and aligns with pro-life values. Alternatively, opponents express concerns that this legislation could curtail valuable research opportunities that could lead to significant medical breakthroughs, particularly in regenerative medicine. The debate showcases the tensions between ethical considerations and scientific progress in the context of healthcare.