(Date)

Dr Bruce Gellin, Director National Vaccine Program

Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 615-F

Washington, D.C.  20201

Dear Dr Gellin,

           
            I am writing to you to make you aware of a growing problem across our country concerning vaccines which have been derived from aborted fetal tissue.  And I am also asking for help from the Department of Health and Human Services to assist hundreds of thousands of Americans in obtaining alternatives for these important vaccinations through the National Institutes of Health and the pharmaceutical industry.

            As you may or may not be aware, recent articles in several publications brought to light the fact that there are several widely used vaccines that have been derived from aborted fetal tissue. The drug manufacturers have provided alternative sources for Polio, Rabies, Mumps and Measles, however, there are no alternatives for Rubella/MMR, Hepatitis-A and Chickenpox, forcing millions of Americans to compromise their moral and religious beliefs in order to protect their children.

            It is not as though there is simply no other solution to this problem.  There are other morally acceptable alternatives for both Rubella and Hepatitis-A available in Europe and Japan but these products are not FDA approved for use in the United States. I find it quite disheartening that we, in this great country of America, should not have the same ability to protect the health and safety of our children without violating our consciences.

And it is equally alarming that many, many parents and physicians are refusing to use these vaccines, recognizing the moral problems these vaccines present to the pro-life population. Unless alternatives are produced, I believe in due time there will be severe health consequences for many Americans, including possible epidemics and it is just not necessary.

There is no reason to put such a heavy burden on the consciences of the American public.  I am asking you to consider providing funding for the production of new vaccines that will give Americans the opportunity to use products not derived from aborted fetal tissue.  I realize the pharmaceutical industry is not going to act on their own, without a strong financial incentive. Considering that the majority of citizens in this country do not approve of abortion, you can be assured that an even greater number do not agree to profiting from it. 

I am outraged to learn of this injustice inflicted on my family and I intend to make as many people as possible aware of this issue. Our government has the opportunity to truly make a difference and to help restore dignity and honor to scientific research. I strongly encourage you to use your authority to help families obtain vaccinations they can use in good conscience.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this most important matter.

Respectfully,