MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers oppose a bill that would ban the use of aborted fetal tissue in Wisconsin.
Federal law already bans the sale of fetal tissue, but donation is allowed.
The bill scheduled for an Assembly committee hearing Tuesday would ban the use of aborted fetal tissue in experiments.
The lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Andre Jacque, says he’s changed the proposal from an earlier version which also banned research using cells derived from fetal
The bill would require aborted fetus remains to be cremated or buried.
“It’s the whole idea of human dignity and the respectful responsible disposition of human remains,” Mr. Jacque told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in July.
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health officials say about 100 labs on campus use cells derived from fetal tissue for research on cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
The Wisconsin State Journal says about six to eight labs use fetal tissue in studies on diabetes and other conditions.
Undercover videos taken of Planned Parenthood officials discussing what appears to be illegal harvesting and distribution of fetal body parts to companies that provide tissue to researchers has sparked investigations in several states.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.