Dive Brief:
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A lawsuit filed this week by Indiana University officials alleges state abortion laws "criminalizing the acquisition or transfer of fetal tissue used for research" infringe upon researchers' academic freedom, Inside Higher Ed reports.
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Under the new law, which goes into effect in July, miscarried or aborted fetal tissue must be buried or cremated; any violation of this policy is chargeable as a felony and carries the possibility of jail time.
- Researchers at the state institution argue such limitations will substantially hinder research on Alzheimer's and violate First Amendment rights to academic freedom.
Dive Insight:
Research on fetal tissue has been increasingly controversial, but more is at stake than retaining academic freedom.
University officials say the law would require them to return millions of dollars in federal grant awards if they are forced to get rid of or agree not to transport fetal tissue already acquired for research. The university also worries such limitations on research could hinder its ability to recruit and retain top faculty from across the country, Inside Higher Ed Reports.