STAV CRKVE O KORIŠTENJU FETALNIH STANIČNIH LINIJA U IZRADI VIRUSNIH CJEPIVA
THE CHURCH'S STANCE TOWARDS THE USE OF FETAL STEM CELLS IN THE MAKING OF VIRAL VACCINES

Summary/Abstract: In the current Covid-19 pandemic, a familiar theme has resurfaced, namely the use of human diploid stem cells in the manufacture of vaccines. For the purposes of this article, the terminology used is fetal stem cells. After a broad discussion offering some insights on the current pandemic situation, the article discusses vaccines in general with a view to providing the rationale behind the issue of fetal stem cells. It does not take a position for or against vaccination; rather it starts from the premise that vaccines are a health benefit. The article then briefly reviews the historical development of viral vaccines, and deficiencies in the use of primary cells of animal origin, which are one of the reasons for the introduction of fetal stem cells as biological material for making viral vaccines. As the use of fetal stem cells has a further association with elective abortion, end users of the vaccine might be viewed as having become accomplices in abortion. The article ultimately arrives at a Catholic position on the permissibility of using vaccines made with the use of fetal stem cells.

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