Catholic medical group speaks against vaccines originally derived from fetal tissue
A few weeks ago, we saw this press release from the Catholic Medical Association titled "Vaccines derived from aborted human fetuses: A statement." To the best of our knowledge, the statement generated zero media interest until this Catholic News Service piece published today.
The background: Several vaccines, particularly those for rubella and hepatitis A, were initially developed by research that involved tissue from fetuses that had been voluntarily aborted. In some cases, the research in question occurred as long as 40 years ago. (It should go without saying that there is no fetal material in the vaccines actually administered, nor has there ever been.)
Catholic groups have been among the most vocal critics of these vaccines' origins, raising questions about the morality of receiving them in light of the teachings of their religion. The question becomes particularly difficult for them when there is no alternative vaccine available in the U.S. not derived from fetal tissue. (This is the case with rubella and Hep A, although alternative vaccines are available internationally).
Last summer, the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a document titled "Moral reflections on vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted human fetuses." The points made in it are largely echoed by the Catholic Medical Association's statement, namely:
1) When alternative vaccines are available, they should be used.
2) If no alternative is available, it is permissible to forego vaccination only if doing so does not place others at significant health risks.
3) If no alternative is available, it is permissible to receive the vaccines in question in order to avoid a significant health risk.
4) There is a duty to lobby for the development or importation of morally acceptable vaccines.
Ultimately, this question is more about morality than ethics, but it's an interesting and little-known bit of history about the origins of very common vaccines still in use today. As a Google search will reveal, there are strong feelings on the topic, just as with many aspects of the U.S. vaccination landscape.
The background: Several vaccines, particularly those for rubella and hepatitis A, were initially developed by research that involved tissue from fetuses that had been voluntarily aborted. In some cases, the research in question occurred as long as 40 years ago. (It should go without saying that there is no fetal material in the vaccines actually administered, nor has there ever been.)
Catholic groups have been among the most vocal critics of these vaccines' origins, raising questions about the morality of receiving them in light of the teachings of their religion. The question becomes particularly difficult for them when there is no alternative vaccine available in the U.S. not derived from fetal tissue. (This is the case with rubella and Hep A, although alternative vaccines are available internationally).
Last summer, the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a document titled "Moral reflections on vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted human fetuses." The points made in it are largely echoed by the Catholic Medical Association's statement, namely:
1) When alternative vaccines are available, they should be used.
2) If no alternative is available, it is permissible to forego vaccination only if doing so does not place others at significant health risks.
3) If no alternative is available, it is permissible to receive the vaccines in question in order to avoid a significant health risk.
4) There is a duty to lobby for the development or importation of morally acceptable vaccines.
Ultimately, this question is more about morality than ethics, but it's an interesting and little-known bit of history about the origins of very common vaccines still in use today. As a Google search will reveal, there are strong feelings on the topic, just as with many aspects of the U.S. vaccination landscape.
Labels: Catholicism
posted by J. Schwartz at 2:15 PM
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