Amendment added to PA budget bill would make Pitt, other universities stop fetal tissue research

An amendment just added to the state budget bill would make the University of Pittsburgh promise that they would stop fetal tissue research.

Some politicians and doctors are differing on the topic.

On the heels of Roe v. Wade being overturned, State Representative Jerry Knowles is calling for several universities to stop doing fetal cell research.

Pitt is one of those universities, plus Temple, Lincoln and Penn State.

Pitt is expected to receive $155 million in the next year from grant money, and is known for their fetal cell research and work.

Rep. Knowles told Channel 11, “I respect doctors. I don’t claim to be a doctor, or a scientist. I don’t think you need to be a doctor or a scientist to determine what is unethical, what is evil, and what is barbaric.”

It’s something local infectious disease physician Dr. Amesh Adalja disagrees with.

“We have already seen benefits from stem cell research, and research that derives from fetus cells. Even some of the covid vaccines were developed. This is a life saving technology.”

Pitt spokesperson Chuck Finder sent us a statement:

“The University of Pittsburgh devotes every dollar of the general support appropriation it receives from the state to help support a tuition discount for Pennsylvania students and families. We’re optimistic the legislature will preserve this investment in our students.”

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