Thus, human brain cells must be used to advance scientific discovery in the cause, treatment and prevention of these human neurodestructive diseases. This is not so. For example, in 1954, human fetal cells were instrumental in the isolation of the polio virus, which led to the development of the polio vaccine. In addition, studies have shown that fetal cell transplants into Parkinson s patients under the age of 50 have provided some relief. There is no evidence whatsoever that donation of fetal cells for research has increased elective abortions.
Women consent to donate fetal cells only after they have made the decision to have an abortion.
They receive no financial benefit. If this research weren t being done, the aborted fetal tissue would be discarded without any life-promoting discoveries ever coming from it. FACT UNMC s fetal cell research seeks to understand how brain cells are damaged and to find ways to regenerate these damaged brain cells in neurodestructive diseases such as Alzheimer s disease, Parkinson s disease, multiple sclerosis and AIDS-related dementia. The National Institutes of Health has recognized the promise of UNMC s work and generously funded its work. This research is very important to Nebraska, which ranks among the top four states in the percentage of people age 85 years and older.