Holy See Sets Bioethics Standards for Research and Aborted Fetal Vaccines

In an instruction released December 12th, 2008, Dignitatis Personae, the Holy See clarified a number of issues in biomedical research and their application to family life that have been hotbeds of contention for decades.

"Dignitatis Personae acknowledges that previous standards by some ethics committees have not been "sufficient" and the Holy See has taken steps to assist both parents who vaccinate their children and researchers who use aborted fetal or embryonic material," stated Children of God for Life's Executive Director, Debi Vinnedge.

The Vatican unambiguously noted the duty of researchers, stating that, "[T]here is a duty to refuse to use such "biological material" even when there is no close connection between the researcher and the actions of those who... performed the abortion."

While permitting parents to use the vaccines in conditions of "grave reasons" and "dangers to the health of children," the Holy See stressed the absolute duty to oppose the vaccines and demand that healthcare systems make alternatives available.

Vinnedge is strongly encouraging concerned families to do just that and rally behind AVM Biotechnology, the only company whose mission it is to bring morally produced alternative vaccines to the US.

Dr. Theresa Deisher, CEO of AVM Biotechnology, stated "We are absolutely thrilled with the recent Vatican teaching. Unfortunately, the use of morally illicit material in scientific research is so pervasive that pro-life scientists truly need to commit to morally licit research and drug development. Our non-profit arm, Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute (SCPI), is dedicated to:

1. education about the use of morally illicit material in drug discovery and development,

2. developing a certification program so that patients can readily learn whether a drug that has been prescribed for them is morally licit or not, and

3. encouraging the establishment of companies like AVM Biotechnology to develop morally licit alternative drugs and research reagents."

"AVM Biotech and SCPI had already risen to the challenge before this latest document emerged," Vinnedge noted. "We pray that Catholic healthcare facilities, our bishops, our families and pro-life benefactors will stand firmly behind their work and provide the resources and support they need to answer the Church's calling."

Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, S.J., Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith noted that the instruction "encourages biomedical investigation that respects the dignity of all human beings and of procreation" and that they "will probably be accused of containing too many prohibitions. Nevertheless, faced with this possible accusation it is necessary to emphasize that the Church feels the duty of making those without voices heard"