Anti-abortion advocates sued the University of Minnesota on Wednesday, arguing that its medical research using fetal tissue from elective abortions violates state law.
U sued over fetal tissue research
Anti-abortion activists say state statute violated.
October 20, 2016 at 3:11AM
The suit contends that the U violated a 30-year-old statute regarding the disposal of fetal remains from abortions. The statute restricts research using the remains to "laboratory tests necessary for the health of the woman or her future offspring or for purposes of a criminal investigation or determination of parentage."
"What it's doing is a crime," said Erick Kaardal, the Minneapolis attorney who filed the claim on behalf of Pro-Life Action Ministries and a U graduate student. "The University of Minnesota is a criminal."
University officials insisted the research is legal.
"The board and administration obtained a thorough legal analysis of whether the university can conduct research utilizing fetal tissue in compliance with state and federal law," said a statement from spokesman Evan Lapiska. "This included a review from independent, external counsel affirming that it does."
University officials, lawmakers and abortion activists have argued over the legality of fetal tissue research in Minnesota since last summer, when a U spokesman denied the existence of the controversial research on campus, then admitted that it was taking place.
The university has since updated its policies governing fetal tissue research, which explores the origins and treatments of HIV, diabetes, dementia and spinal-cord injuries.
Policy changes include a requirement that fetal tissue from elective abortions come from out-of-state sources — due to legal questions about in-state donations — and that the tissue be cremated or buried after its use in research ends.
Confusion over the legality of fetal tissue collection and research in Minnesota stems in part from the fact that three state statutes address the issue somewhat differently.
The lawsuit demands that the university either prove the statutory authority that permits the research or put a stop to it.
Brian Gibson of Pro-Life Action Ministries said his goal isn't to punish the university, just to stop future research.
His group fears that "commodifying" fetal remains could create incentives for more elective abortions.
Jeremy Olson • 612-673-7744
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