Wisconsin Assembly Committee Approves Fetal Tissue Restrictions

While concerns about a possible negative impact on medical research has sparked some Republican opposition to a bill banning the sale and use of aborted fetal tissue, the measure was nevertheless approved Wednesday by GOP lawmakers on an Assembly committee.

Democratic Rep. Evan Goyke tried unsuccessfully to change the bill to allow research on aborted fetal tissue beyond what the bill’s author was willing to grandfather in.

“This is real research,” Goyke said. “This is real groundbreaking stuff. This is the cure tomorrow.”

But committee Chairman Joel Kleefisch said allowing researchers to use aborted fetal tissue obtained after January 2015 would “gut the bill.” He asserted that the bill authored by Rep. Andre Jacque won’t inhibit medical research.

“Not only will it continue, but it will thrive,” Kleefisch said.

Researchers disagree. The University of Wisconsin Medical College, along with the Medical College of Wisconsin and other health institutions, has strongly criticized the bill, saying it will cut off important work in the state.

All of the committee’s Democrats voted against the bill. They were joined by Republican Rep. Todd Novak, who said he is “pro life and support(s) much of this bill,” but nevertheless believes “there needs to be changes.”

Another Republican, Rep. John Spiros, expressed concerns over the stiff penalties researchers could face. However, Spiros did vote for the bill in committee.

With the committee vote, the bill could soon go to the full Assembly. Support for the measure in the state Senate remains less clear. Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has not commented on its chances.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story included Associated Press content. It has been updated with original reporting.