NIH Ends Use of Human Fetal Tissue in Federally Funded Research

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a sweeping policy change ending the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions in all NIH-supported research, effective immediately. The decision applies to both intramural NIH programs and all external funding mechanisms, including grants and research contracts, and replaces prior agency guidance.

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said the move reflects a commitment to modernizing biomedical research by prioritizing advanced alternatives such as organoids, tissue chips, and computational biology. He emphasized that taxpayer-funded science should align with both cutting-edge innovation and public values.

NIH data show that research involving human fetal tissue has steadily declined since 2019, with just 77 projects funded in fiscal year 2024. The agency said the new policy will ensure limited public resources are directed toward next-generation models with greater scientific promise and fewer ethical concerns.

NIH also announced plans to seek public input on emerging technologies that could further reduce reliance on human embryonic stem cells.

Previously, the UOJ reported on the first all-trimester abortion clinic being planned for New Jersey.  

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