Warner Southern College

A Treatise on Fetal Tissue Research:

The Christian Perspective.

A paper submitted to Dr. Hall

for TST-4095.

By

Rick Swartz

April 13, 2000

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Outline

I. Introduction

II. Purpose

III. The Issue

IV. Stance

V. Future Questions/Conclusion

Introduction

“To assess the judgement in a trial, we must first know who is

doing the judging, who is being judged, and what are the charges and

the system of law in use” (Smith 3). While it may be difficult to reach

judgement on any given issue, one must start the process by gaining a

thorough understanding of that issue. In this case, the issue is Fetal

Tissue Research.

Before we can begin to delve into the ethical dilemma

surrounding fetal tissue research, we must understand the scope of

this research. According to Robert Blank of the University of

Canterbury, “Research can be conducted on the pre-implanted embryo,

on fetuses in the uterus prior to elective abortion, on pre-viable

fetuses after abortion, or on dead fetuses.” Furthermore, he includes

in his definition, “Clinical applications using fetal or embryonic matter

such as tissues, cells, or organs (279).” However, others restrict fetal

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research to that which strictly pertains to the fetus1. Thus, any

research on an embryo2 is not included in the definition of fetal

research (Ford 289). For the purposes of this treatise, I have chosen

to follow the latter definition.

Now that we know the definition of the term fetus and the

manner in which the tissue is obtained, let us explore the question of

“Why?” As Harris states it, there are five basic reasons as to why fetal

tissue is being used for research.

First, it is unequivocally human in its origin and

behavior. Secondly it is living. Third, it is
uniquely determined at the time of fertilization.
Fourth, it is in a state of development with a
potential for reproduction. There is a fifth reason,
somewhat less ideal: There is a large quantity of such
tissue available in the United States. (3)

Purpose

Why bother to inquire into the ethics of fetal tissue research?

This is after-all, a concrete area of scientific study, and not some form

of abstract philosophy. However, all thought scientific, and otherwise,

stems from philosophy—of which ethics is an integral part.

The purpose of this treatise is simple…to demonstrate that while,

on the surface, there may appear to be nothing wrong with fetal tissue

1
The term for human development after the ninth week of gestation.
2
The stage in human development prior to the ninth week.
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research; this is clearly a practice that stands in contrast to a Classical

Biblical Christian worldview. In order to accomplish this task and

remain objective, one must reserve passing judgement until all

evidence has been made known. In that manner, one can be as sure

as possible that they have come to best possible answer.

The Issue

We know the definition of a fetus, as well as the sources of fetal

tissue. Thus, we are left with the remaining background question,

“What are they researching?” Well, a number of fascinating, life-

saving procedures are resulting from this research. This research

includes the practice of transplanting fetal brain matter into the brain

of a Parkinson’s patient to reverse the effects of the disease. However,

this research is not limited to elderly people whose time would be

running out as it is. For example, a child with diabetes can receive

fetal pancreatic transplants in the hopes of being cured and living a

normal life (Blank 281).

Now that we have seen some of the life-saving results of fetal

tissue research, we find ourselves faced with the question: Does the

saving of lives justify the, so called, harvesting of tissue?

Many people would answer this question in the affirmative. They

would site such pragmatic logic as the greatest good for the greatest

number. Even among Christians, many would support fetal tissue

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research. They point the fact that God often brings “good” (the saving

of lives that is associated with fetal research) out of “evil” situations

(the murder of children through elective abortion). Furthermore, if it

is acceptable to use the organs of other murder victims (i.e. robbery

homicide) why should it not be morally right to include all murder

victims under this ideal acceptability?

My Stance

While I am inclined to agree with all of the aforementioned

ideology, I still think that fetal tissue research is contrary to a strict

interpretation of the Biblical Christian Worldview. I think that all of the

“good news” propagated by the supporters of fetal research is merely

a smokescreen to blind the public from the horrors, which can be

attributed to elective abortion. Furthermore, it is not a stretch of the

imagination to foresee a time where there is a market for abortion.

Perhaps, there will even be a time when Christians, reflect on the

“good old days” when a young lady who was down on her luck turned

only to prostitution…she now turns to a cyclical system of becoming

pregnant and then selling her aborted fetus to the highest bidder.

True, it would be a more discreet manner of living. On the other hand,

it would much more problematic both for her and society…would it not?

Future Questions/Conclusion
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The issue of fetal tissue research is one that should weigh

heavily on the mind of society. Without a doubt, there are still many

questions to be studied and answered in a satisfactory manner.

Among these questions is, “Will the use of pre-viable fetuses from

voluntary abortion result in a market for abortion?” Another question

would be, “What are the consequences of prolonging life?”

Furthermore the concerned Christian needs to ask, “Would the use of

fetal tissue to prolong life come in conflict with God’s will and timing?”

Hopefully, this treatise has been informative both on the subject

of fetal tissue research and on the ethical nature of the subject.

Similar to any court case, the time has come for deliberations. As a

member of the jury of society, your duty is to seek out this proper

answer to the question, “Is the use of fetal tissue for research

acceptable?”
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