Michigan Senate passes bill to ban fetal tissue trafficking in Michigan

On April 27, 2016, the Michigan Senate voted 26-10 to pass SB 564 and 565.  These bills will prohibit the exchange of any form of compensation for fetal tissue or organs and provide penalties for those who engage in the trade of fetal tissue or organs for monetary or other forms of remuneration.

A Right to Life of Michigan spokeswoman said the legislation addresses a loophole in federal law that allows fetal tissue donors to charge a procurement fee of any amount. The state legislation allows women to donate aborted fetal tissue but not for a fee, said Genevieve Marnon, public affairs associate for Right to Life of Michigan.

“We’re simply codifying the policy that Planned Parenthood said it adopted” in October 2015, Marnon said.

Six months ago, national Planned Parenthood said it would no longer accept reimbursement of its costs for donating tissue for medical research.

“If it is truly about donated tissue, what is there to fear?” Marnon said. “Researchers should be happy that they no longer have to pay a procurement fee.”

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You can learn more about this legislation here.