HEALTH : Board to Monitor Fetal Research
Citing the government’s failure to regulate controversial research involving fetal tissue and reproduction, two leading medical groups today announced they are establishing a board to monitor such work.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Fertility Society said the national advisory panel composed of medical, legal, ethical and public policy experts will set up guidelines for ethically sensitive research involving reproduction and fetuses.
In March, 1988, the Reagan Administration imposed a federal moratorium on transplants using tissue from aborted fetuses. The Bush Administration extended that ban in November, 1989.
However, such research, which preliminary results indicate may help treat Parkinson’s disease and childhood diabetes, has continued using non-government funds. Other incurable disorders that scientists think may be aided by fetal tissue transplants include Alzheimer’s disease and nerve injuries.
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