# Plain Language Summary: Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025

This bill would ban the federal government from funding or conducting any medical research that uses fetal tissue from induced abortions. Currently, some researchers use fetal tissue in studies related to diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes, as well as in vaccine development. Under this bill, that would no longer be allowed with any federal money—whether from the National Institutes of Health, the CDC, or any other government agency. The ban would apply not just to direct research but also to any federal support, approval, or funding of such work.

The bill does create some important exceptions. Research using fetal tissue from miscarriages or stillbirths would still be permitted, following existing federal guidelines. Additionally, scientists could continue developing new laboratory cell lines for vaccines and other medical purposes, as long as those cell lines aren't derived from tissue obtained through induced abortion. The bill also makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly solicit, acquire, or accept donations of fetal tissue from induced abortions, with limited exceptions for autopsy or burial purposes.

This legislation would primarily affect medical researchers, universities, and pharmaceutical companies that currently rely on federal funding for fetal tissue research. It could slow or halt certain types of medical research that some scientists believe could lead to treatments for serious diseases. Supporters argue the bill protects what they view as unborn life, while critics contend it could impede medical progress and that existing regulations already provide appropriate oversight of this research.