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It is morally permissible for Catholics to accept a Covid-19 vaccine that involves the use of fetal cell lines, especially if the potential risk to life or health is significant, according to the Conference of Irish Catholic Bishops.
He said questions have been raised about human fetal cell lines originating from past abortions that are used in the development and production of some Covid-19 vaccines.
In a statement, he encouraged Catholics to support a vaccination program, not only for their own good, but for the protection of the life and health of those who are vulnerable and for the common good of humanity.
The bishops reaffirmed the constant teaching of the Church that abortion is always gravely immoral.
However, they said the Church has always made a distinction between formal and deliberate participation in an immoral act and material participation, which can be incidental and remote.
“The decision of those who decide to accept vaccines that have had some link with fetal cell lines in the past does not imply any consent on their part to abortion.”
The statement notes that many of the vaccines currently in development do not rely for their design or production on fetal cell lines and Catholics should continue to advocate for the availability of ethically developed vaccines.
“In that way, they testify that biomedical research must always be conducted in a way that is compatible with respect for life and human dignity.”
In its conclusion, the statement said that access to medical care is a fundamental human right.
He said the Church, while respecting intellectual property rights, believes that essential medicines, including vaccines, should be available on the basis of need and not on the basis of ability to pay.
The bishops added that their position is consistent with the WTO agreement on trade-related intellectual property issues, which allows national governments to organize the manufacture of essential pharmaceutical products, for domestic use and for the use of the poorest countries. even without the consent of the patent holders. .
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