- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will bar human fetal tissue from elective abortions in NIH-funded research by January 23, 2026, a February 2026 article reported.
- This policy, attributed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2026 reports, reinstates a Trump-era ban previously reversed by the Biden administration, The Washington Post noted.
- The decision aims to advance science using ethically sound alternatives like organoids and tissue chips, reflecting American values, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya stated in a 2026 press release.
- However, scientists warn that such bans hinder vital scientific progress, including vaccine development, and current alternatives cannot fully replace fetal tissue, scientific journals reported.
HHS to Ban Fetal Tissue Research in 2026
In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will prohibit the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions in NIH-funded research by January 23, 2026, reinstating a Trump-era ban. While proponents cite ethical alternatives and American values, scientists vehemently oppose the move, warning it will cripple crucial medical progress, including vaccine development, as current substitutes are insufficient.
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