State Rep. Andrew Fink has cast his vote in support of a plan prohibiting and criminalizing the practice of performing research on an aborted embryo, fetus or neonate in the state of Michigan.

Current law prohibits and criminalizes knowingly performing research on a dead embryo, fetus, or neonate without prior consent from the mother, but the legislation Fink helped approved would establish an outright ban and criminalize individuals who perform research on an aborted embryo, fetus or neonate.

“This type of experimentation is unethical, unnecessary, and outdated,” said Fink, of Adams Township. “Newer forms of adult stem cell research and research using ethically derived cells from umbilical cord and placental cells have been shown to be superior to fetal and embryonic stem cells. We must ensure this unethical research method is outlawed in Michigan.”

In addition to prohibiting the use of aborted fetal tissue for research, the plan would make it a Class E felony to conduct such research methods.

The plan was approved by the Health Policy Committee and advanced to the full House for further consideration.