Researchers warn fetal tissue bill could hinder medical breakthroughs

In Madison today, a hearing on legislation that has suddenly become much more likely to pass.  It’s a bill that would ban experiments using post-abortion fetal tissue.  Lead sponsor of the legislation, republican state rep Andre Jacque, acknowledges his efforts stand better chances now on the heels of several sting videos of the Planned Parenthood organization.  Jacques says the images are more compelling than simply the words in a piece of legislation. 

Jacque calls Wisconsin the wild west when it comes to fetal remains because no state laws currently determine what can or can’t be done with fetal tissue.   

Meanwhile, researchers warn that medical breakthroughs for diseases like Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s may be hampered if the bill passes.