Researcher Describes Feelings Working With Fetal Tissue

The Massachusetts attorney general has found no evidence that the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts operates any sort of fetal tissue donation program.

While the donations are not illegal, some in Congress are calling for an investigation after videos were released showing national Planned Parenthood officials discussing contracts for fetal tissue. The U.S. Senate could vote Monday on a bill to defund Planned Parenthood.

The controversy has drawn attention to fetal tissue research, which has been going on for decades and which many researchers say is invaluable.

Nathalia Holt is a microbiologist and science writer based in Boston who conducted research with fetal tissue while working in California. And she recently wrote about the experience in The New York Times, describing what she says were some uneasy feelings in the lab.

Holt joined Morning Edition Friday to discuss the research.