Washington D.C., Feb 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Georgetown University is defending its research practices after a review revealed that its Medical Center is using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses, reported the College Reporter.
A review was conducted on the origins of cell lines used at the center after Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, requested it last summer.
The review revealed that 18 of the center’s researchers were using four different cell lines, derived from aborted fetuses.
The university did not create the cell lines; they were obtained from the National Institute of Health between 25 and 40 years ago, explained Lindsey Spindle, director of university public relations. When the research began, the origin of the cell lines was unknown.