Ethics Opinions

The use of fetal tissue for research purposes raises a number of ethical considerations, including the degree to which a woman’s decision to have an abortion might be influenced by the opportunity to donate fetal tissue. Physicians who are involved in research that uses human fetal tissue have a responsibility to protect the interests of pregnant women as well as the integrity of science.

In general, genetic manipulation should be reserved for therapeutic purposes. Efforts to enhance “desirable” traits are contrary to the ethical tradition of medicine. In addition to fundamental ethical requirements for the appropriate conduct of research with human participants, research in gene therapy or genetic engineering must put in place additional safeguards to vigorously protect the safety and well-being of participants and future generations.

Human participants who contribute to research involving DNA databanks have a right to be informed about the nature and scope of the research and must give consent for how their information may be used.

Physicians who conduct research using stem cells obtained from any source must, at a minimum, adhere to institutional review board requirements, ensure that the research is carried out with appropriate oversight and monitoring, and ensure that the research is carried out with appropriate informed consent.