Feds probe Pitt for fetal tissue experiments, per FOIA docs
Federal Officials Investigating Controversial Fetal Tissue Research Project at University of Pittsburgh
Federal officials are currently investigating a research project at the University of Pittsburgh that has faced criticism for its use of fetal tissue from aborted babies, according to recently released documents. The investigation, conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, was disclosed in emails and other documents made public by Judicial Watch.
In one email, Rob Rutenba, senior vice chancellor for research at Pitt, revealed the investigation to Michael Lauer, deputy director for extramural research at the National Institutes of Health. Rutenba mentioned that the university had received a subpoena from HHS OIG requesting documentation related to their fetal tissue projects.
Judicial Watch, in collaboration with the Center for Medical Progress, had filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain these documents. David Daleiden, president of the Center for Medical Progress, expressed that there is still much unknown about the investigation and whether it has been referred to the FBI or the Department of Justice.
The GenitoUrinary Development Molecular Anatomy Project, which involved the harvesting and distribution of late-term aborted fetal kidneys and other body parts, ran from 2016 to 2021. When controversy arose in 2019, Pitt hired an external firm to review the project, which concluded that no laws were violated.
Daleiden expressed concern over the investigation, stating that Pitt’s statements regarding the use of criminal partial-birth abortions by their Planned Parenthood partners to harvest fetal organs for NIH grant money are serious enough to warrant a federal law enforcement investigation.
BREAKING: Newly released FOIA documents confirm the existence of a federal law enforcement investigation of an NIH-funded program at the University of Pittsburgh that harvested fetal kidneys from late-term abortions performed by Planned Parenthood doctors. @PPFA @PittTweet @NIH… pic.twitter.com/g3QgiZNDYt
— Center for Medical Progress (@CtrMedProgress) December 12, 2023
Daleiden emphasized the need for justice and accountability, stating that Planned Parenthood has concealed their atrocities under the guise of research for far too long. The Center for Medical Progress also highlighted Pitt’s history of harvesting fetal kidneys and its longstanding connection to Planned Parenthood.
Source: Feds Investigating Pitt Over Fetal Tissue Experiments, FOIA Docs Show: Report (The Western Journal)
What regulations are in place to ensure the ethical collection and use of fetal tissue in research?
E Center for Medical Progress, a pro-life organization, has been investigating the use of fetal tissue in research projects in universities across the country. The University of Pittsburgh has been the focus of their investigation, as they have been conducting a controversial fetal tissue research project.
Fetal tissue research has long been a topic of debate due to ethical concerns surrounding the use of tissue from aborted babies. Pro-life advocates argue that using fetal tissue in research projects treats aborted babies as commodities and undermines the sanctity of human life. On the other hand, proponents of fetal tissue research highlight its potential for medical advancements, including the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases.
The University of Pittsburgh’s research project involves the collection of fetal organs and tissue from aborted babies to study the development of the immune system. These organs and tissue are obtained from a tissue bank established by the university. The project has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The recently disclosed documents reveal that federal officials are investigating the university’s fetal tissue research project. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) is leading the investigation. The emails and documents released by Judicial Watch confirm that the university has received a subpoena from the OIG, requesting documentation related to their fetal tissue projects.
The investigation raises questions about the legality and ethical practices of the University of Pittsburgh’s research project. Federal law allows for the use of fetal tissue in research, but it also imposes strict regulations to ensure that the tissue is obtained with proper consent and that ethical guidelines are followed. The investigation will likely focus on verifying whether the university has followed these regulations and whether the tissue collection process has been conducted in an ethically sound manner.
The University of Pittsburgh has defended its research project, stating that it adheres to all legal and ethical guidelines. They argue that fetal tissue research is vital for medical advancements and has the potential to save lives. The university also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in their research practices.
This investigation comes at a time when the use of fetal tissue in research projects is already facing scrutiny on a national level. Recently, the Trump administration imposed restrictions on the use of fetal tissue in federally funded research, effectively halting several projects and limiting access to fetal tissue for scientists. This decision was met with criticism from the scientific community, who argue that fetal tissue research is essential for understanding and finding cures for numerous diseases.
The outcome of the investigation at the University of Pittsburgh will have implications not only for the future of their research project but also for the broader discussion surrounding fetal tissue research. It will touch on complex ethical and legal issues and will likely fuel further debates about the use of fetal tissue in scientific research.
As federal officials continue their investigation, it is crucial to balance the interests of medical advancements with ethical considerations and ensure that regulations surrounding fetal tissue research are followed. This case highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and careful examination of the ethical implications of such research projects. Ultimately, it is essential to find a balance that upholds both the sanctity of human life and the potential for medical progress.
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