New Rules: No More Federal Cash for Fetal Tissue Research

The Trump administration has halted federal funding for research projects involving tissue from aborted fetuses. This decision, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), took effect immediately, just before the annual March for Life event.

NIH's Stance on the Change

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that this move is a major step in advancing biomedical science and accelerating innovation. They claim it will propel American science into the 21st century. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya emphasized that the decision aligns with the best available science and respects the values of the American people.

Decline in Fetal Tissue Research

Since 2019, the number of NIH-funded research projects using fetal tissue has decreased. In the fiscal year 2024, only 77 projects were funded. The NIH suggests that new technologies—such as organoids, tissue chips, and computational biology—can now support scientific research while addressing ethical concerns.

March for Life Event

The March for Life is an annual gathering in Washington, D.C., marking the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which was overturned in 2022. This year, Vice President JD Vance will speak at the event, as he did last year. Recently, Vance and his wife announced they are expecting their fourth child. The White House congratulated them and called the Trump administration the most pro-family administration in history.

Critics and Supporters Weigh In

Critics argue that this decision could slow down critical medical research, as fetal tissue has been vital in developing vaccines, treatments for diseases like Parkinson's, and understanding human development. Supporters, however, believe it is a step toward more ethical scientific practices.