Trump Administration Halts Use Of Fetal Tissue In NIH-Funded Research. The Trump administration announces that human fetal tissue derived from abortions can no longer be used in research funded by the National Institutes of Health. The move expands restrictions first introduced during Donald Trump’s first term and follows long-standing pressure from anti-abortion groups. For decades, federally funded research using fetal tissue has continued under both Republican and Democratic administrations, supporting studies into diseases such as HIV and cancer. Supporters of the ban argue alternatives now exist, but many scientists dispute that suitable replacements are always available. In a statement, NIH director Jay Bhattacharya says the agency has long limited and regulated the practice, noting that use has declined sharply since 2019. NIH figures show just 77 projects in 2024 involved fetal tissue, out of a $47 billion research budget. The first Trump administration previously banned such research on NIH premises and added funding hurdles, later lifted under President Biden. The new policy applies to all NIH-funded research, though existing cell lines created years ago remain permitted. The NIH says it will now consult on ways to further reduce or potentially replace the use of embryonic stem cells.