S.987 - Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.987, the Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025, aims to prohibit the Federal Government from conducting, funding, approving, or supporting research involving human fetal tissue obtained from induced abortions. It also seeks to prevent the solicitation or knowing acquisition of such tissue. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to limit human fetal tissue research to tissue obtained after a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly restrict federally funded research using fetal tissue derived from induced abortions. This could lead to a shift in research focus towards alternative methods and cell lines. It may also impact the development of new treatments and vaccines that rely on such research.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes ethical concerns regarding abortion by limiting the use of tissue from induced abortions in research.
- Encourages the development of alternative research methods and ethical cell lines.
- Supports research using fetal tissue obtained after miscarriages or stillbirths.
- Reinforces the principle of informed consent and respect for unborn life for some segments of the population.
- Potentially reduces the demand for induced abortions, aligning with pro-life viewpoints.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder medical advancements and the development of treatments for diseases that rely on fetal tissue research.
- Could stifle innovation in certain areas of biomedical research.
- May limit the availability of resources for researchers studying specific diseases or conditions.
- Could lead to a decrease in the overall competitiveness of US biomedical research.
- May disproportionately affect individuals who could benefit from treatments developed through fetal tissue research.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is subject to debate, particularly concerning the extent to which Congress can regulate scientific research. Arguments against the bill might invoke the First Amendment's protection of academic freedom, although this is not explicitly mentioned. Supporters might argue for the government's right to set ethical standards for federally funded research, citing the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution's preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).