Policies and Procedures for the Use of Human Fetal Tissue (HFT) for Non-Transplantation Research Purposes in the Intramural Research Program

On January 22, 2026, NIH announced a new NIH Policy on Research Involving Human Fetal Tissue (see Guide Notice). The new policy prohibits the use of NIH funds for research using human fetal tissue from elective abortions. Effective immediately, no human fetal tissue from elective abortions should be brought into or sent out from NIH, and intramural researchers should immediately transition their research aims to comply with this policy. Contact Dr. Kathryn Partin if you need further information at kathryn.partin@nih.gov.