Following reports of unethical medical research in Kansas City, Governor Carnahan has called for a special task force to review Missouri law on tissue and organ research. Spokesman Jerry Nachtigal says the move is a response to news reports that researchers have sold fetal body parts. Fetal tissue can be used in research as long as it’s donated by the woman. Nachtigal says state law has regulated the acquisition and use of organs since 1969. He says fetal tissue research may hold the keys to treating Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other debilitating diseases. The task force will present its findings to the next governor in 2001.
