What Are Aborted Fetus Cells?
Aborted fetus cells are cells formed from the tissues of aborted embryos or fetuses. While it is not known for certain when a fetus or embryo is considered “alive,” scientists are able to harvest fetal organs, tissues, and cells in order to use in medical research and treatments. Scientists and researchers regard these cells as early life forms and use them to gain insight into a variety of cellular processes, to learn more about how cells respond to certain drugs, and to conduct studies on genetically-inherited diseases.
Uses of Aborted Fetus Cells
Aborted fetus cells are used to research a variety of health conditions and treatments. Many researchers believe that these cells are key in understanding the development of certain diseases, such as cancer, HIV, and diabetes, within an organism. By using these cells, researchers can better identify genetic mutations that may exist in a particular organism, and more effectively develop treatments to address these diseases.
In addition to studying diseases, aborted fetus cells are also used in creating treatments for a variety of medical conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, asthma, and hemophilia. Fetal cells may also be used in developing vaccines for certain diseases. For instance, fetal cells were used in creating the rotavirus vaccine, which helps to prevent the severe diarrhea-causing condition.
Monkey Fetal Cell Line
In 2004, scientists created a monkey cell line using aborted fetus cells. This particular cell line, known as the MRC-5 cell line, was extracted from an aborted monkey fetus and used to conduct studies on monkey development, genetics, and physiology. For these studies, scientists started the MRC-5 cells in culture and then studied their growth and development over time.
Pros and Cons of Using Aborted Fetus Cells in Research
The use of aborted fetus cells in research has been a highly debated topic in recent years. It is estimated that there may be between 10,000 and 20,000 abortions each year in the United States specifically for the purpose of medical research.
There are both pros and cons to using aborted fetus cells in research. On one hand, such cells are thought to be extremely valuable in helping to advance medical treatments and discoveries. Aborted fetus cells provide researchers with an extremely valuable source of stem cell research, which can help them learn more about how the embryonic development process works, as well as the forms of diseases that may occur during that development.
The downside to using aborted fetus cells is that the process of harvesting them can be seen as unethical. Many people believe that abortion goes against the sanctity of life, and the use of aborted fetus cells in research may only further this argument. Furthermore, there is strong resistance from some religious sects against the use of aborted fetus cells in research.
What Do Religious Views Say About Aborted Fetus Cells?
From certain religious perspectives, abortion and the use of aborted fetus cells in research can be seen as an affront to the sanctity of life. While most religious organizations are in favor of medical research, many feel that the use of aborted fetus cells infringes upon the idea of the “unborn having rights.” For example, the Catholic Church has long opposed any form of abortion.
On the other hand, some religious organizations have accepted the use aborted fetus cells in research, with various restrictions. For example, the United Methodist Church holds that, “The use of early human or animal tissue as part of medical research or treatments is ethically acceptable, but only if tissues obtained by abortion are not used.”
Aborted fetus cells provide researchers with an invaluable source of information on embryonic development and genetic diseases. The use of such cells in research has been met with both ethical concerns, as well as religious opposition. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use aborted fetus cells in research is one that must be weighed carefully and made with a full understanding of all the potential implications.
