Do vaccines contain aborted fetuses?

An old claim that vaccines contain cells from aborted fetuses is once again circulating.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that need host cells to grow. Since human cells are sometimes best for growing human viruses, some vaccines use cell lines derived from two elective pregnancy terminations back in the 60s. Because these cell lines are practically immortal, manufacturers can continue using this cell line; there are no new sources of human fetal cells.

Dr. Stanley Plotkin, in a series of videos, explains how we can use fetal cell lines developed decades ago to manufacture vaccines today. The cell lines provided multiple advantages, including absence of animal viruses, a fertile place for cell growth, and the immortality of the cells (meaning no new fetuses need be destroyed to make another cell line).

Even with the remoteness of the issue of abortion to the vaccines in use, some people still have moral questions.

The Vatican advised adherents in 2005  about the acceptability of receiving some live, attenuated vaccines. To further clarify that statement, the Vatican issued another statement in 2017, which reads: “The moral obligation to guarantee the vaccination coverage necessary for the safety of others is no less urgent.”

Pope Francis, speaking about COVID vaccination, is quoted as saying, “I believe that morally everyone must take the vaccine.” Given the moral obligation to protect one’s community and the unlikelihood that people will get to choose vaccines the way they choose toppings at Subway, people of all faiths should take the vaccine they are offered.

Of course, people of other faiths may have similar hesitations about vaccines, so it is important for us all to build bridges with the faith-based organizations in our communities.