Aborted Fetal Tissues used in Viral Vaccine Production
By Elsa Van Laar

In the November/December LifeCanada News, readers were made aware of the issue surrounding the use of aborted fetal tissue in several viral vaccines (Canadian Physicians ask Federal and Provincial Health Ministers to Provide Alternative to Ethically Controversial Childhood Vaccine, Press Release on page 11).  It was reported that Canadian Physicians for Life initiated a campaign late last year to encourage provincial governments to provide ethically produced alternatives to one of these vaccines.  Parents and others also wish to participate in this initiative to secure acceptable alternatives.  However, when concerned individuals raise this issue with healthcare providers, their moral objections are often met with claims that only a few fetuses were used over 30 years ago and that no further fetal tissue is needed now or in the future.  This is misleading and inaccurate.  It also downplays the fact that many parents equate the use of these vaccines with justification of abortion and implied approval of the use of aborted fetal tissue in ongoing research and pharmaceutical manufacture.  Solid information will give individuals the confidence they need to bring this matter up with healthcare personnel and those who control the public vaccine supply, namely provincial governments. 
           
LifeCanada’s mandate includes providing the public with life-respecting and life-promoting information.  In keeping with its mandate, LifeCanada has prepared an information package which deals with the issue of fetal tissue use in the manufacture of viral vaccines.  The scope of this information is limited to how life has been exploited in the production of viral vaccines, and what can be done to counter this.  It is not the purpose of this information kit to downplay the achievements of vaccines in reducing suffering and disease for many world-wide, or to discuss vaccine safety. It is meant to equip parents and other concerned individuals with the information necessary to make informed decisions in regards to the use of certain viral vaccines. 
           
While vaccination is strongly encouraged, parents are urged to make their objections clearly known to their health care providers and governments.  It is in the best interests of governments to provide their citizens with vaccines that can be used with a clear conscience, as the success of immunization is based on its wide-spread use.  Strong objections to aborted fetal tissue-derived vaccines will encourage governments to purchase ethically produced vaccines and encourage pharmaceutical companies to continue or renew their production.  Pharmaceutical companies will produce products based on consumer demand, so our requests to governments must be very clear.   
           
The information kit includes background information in a “Questions and Answers” format, sample letters and the addresses of the appropriate government officials.  This material is for wide distribution among parents and others concerned with this issue, as well as healthcare personnel and government officials.
           
Alberta had said it would offer Pediacel as an ethical alternative to one of the offending vaccines, Pentacel, starting in April, 2007. That offer has since been withdrawn.  Parents in Alberta may be able to purchase Pediacel from their pharmacist and take it to their physician to use to immunize their child but it will not be provided by the government.  Attempts to purchase Pediacel through local pharmacies have not been successful to date.  Please help move this initiative forward.  Go to www.lifecanada.org for more information or contact the office.  Updates on the availability of Pediacel will be posted on the website.

Elsa Van Laar is the Manitoba  representative on the LifeCanada Board of Directors.