Research projects using embryonic and fetal stem cells are ethically controversial in the West and have generated plenty of public debate, but in China there is little discussion and public opinion seems to be largely positive.
The country's particular situations, however, further complicates the picture. Most mainland stem-cell researchers will not say publicly where the fetal tissue they used for study or treatment comes from. A close reading of mainland journals however, show that many cells used for the research are coming from induced abortions. The cells harvested from fetuses range in age from five weeks to six months.
The mainland's draconian population 'one child' policy has ensured, although unintentionally, that the supply would be limitless.
Many Chinese mothers-to-be are forced to terminate their pregnancies, regardless of the stage at which they are, under this policy. Authorities exert pressure to abort by imposing heavy fines on would-be parents, dismissing them from jobs, and refusing residency permits and social protections such as education and medical services for the children.
After the abortion, the hospital often sells the fetal tissue to other hospitals or laboratories for stem-cell research or treatment, without the mother's knowledge.
'Generally, surgeons in the mainland are very likely to use aborted fetuses in medical experiments and treatments without informing the mother-to-be,' Liu said, 'while many mothers-to-be are also not aware of their rights on aborted fetuses, and some surgeons may take advantage of this.'
