I am writing to provide information in response to today’s hearing testimony by David Daleiden. Fortunately, the facts surrounding this issue are very clear. These are:
Fetal tissue research uses tissues, which would otherwise be destroyed, to make medical advances that can improve and save lives.
The University of Pittsburgh fully complies with federal and state regulations governing fetal tissue research.
The Pitt Biospecimen Core, which provides central support for Pitt research programs needing tissue materials for research, receives all fetal tissues from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
Pitt does not obtain tissue from Planned Parenthood and there is no quid pro quo relationship between Pitt and Planned Parenthood.
Pitt adheres to strict standards requiring informed consent, which is initiated separately and only after a decision is made to terminate a pregnancy.
The period between the termination of pregnancy and the use of fetal tissue in research is separated by multiple steps and individuals, often working for separate organizations.
The liver research reported to be conducted in Italy ended in 2013. This work involved tissue donations following
medically indicated
abortions that were planned independent of the fetal liver research protocol.
Pitt’s protocols preclude the use of tissue from an abortion that was not permitted under law, and this includes the types of procedures that Mr. Daleiden referenced. Pitt takes compliance and ethics extremely seriously, as do our individual researchers. This includes following protocols such as:
Verifying that the written informed consent of the mother has been obtained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act.
Ensuring fetal research that is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense complies with the US Code Title 42, Chapter 6A, Subchapter III, Part H, 289g. Mr. Daleiden, who has attacked Pitt’s credibility with false accusations, has previously been ordered to pay millions of dollars after being found liable for breaking multiple state and federal laws. At present, he is also facing felony charges in criminal court. Accordingly, we consider it a gross misstep to take his word at face value. Neither his testimony today nor the video he produced is based in reality. Should you need accurate information about this issue, then, please do not hesitate to follow up with any questions or concerns. We are grateful for any opportunity to continue clearing the record. Respectfully, Paul A. Supowitz, Vice Chancellor Office of Community and Governmental Relations
Paul A. Supowitz, Vice Chancellor Office of Community and Governmental Relations
710 Alumni Hall 4227 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260 412-624-2901 psupowit@pitt.edu cgr.pitt.edu
