The CuRe Trial: Groundbreaking Innovation Raising Scientific and Ethical Questions

Preliminary data for the Cellular Therapy for In Utero Repair of Myelomeningocele (CuRe) Trial have recently been published. These data showcase innovation in fetal surgery but introduce ethical questions regarding tissue sourcing. The CuRe Trial utilizes early gestational placental mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (PMSCs) in the repair technique. The ethical implications of this approach vary depending on whether they are sourced from miscarriage or elective abortion. The specific source of the PMSCs is unclear, but evidence suggesting that they might be sourced from elective abortion is presented, along with an overview of ethical implications if this is the case. Key questions considered include 1) whether research such as this is impacted by the recent decision by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cease funding of research using fetal tissue from elective abortion; 2) what ethical alternatives currently or may plausibly exist; and 3) whether scientific justifications exist for the use of tissue sourced from elective abortion over more ethical alternatives.