The Dead Philosophers Society was forwarded this message (below) from The Life Issues Institute today. The message announces the termination of a soft drink testing procedure that used human embryonic kidney cells.

The odiousness of the procedure itself is self-evident and unethical but the prospect of national groups publicizing the use of human embryonic kidney cells in new Pepsi drink products certainly heightened Pepsi’s attention to the issue.

Dear Stephanie Kemp, Your hard work and dedication has paid off. PepsiCo announced they will no longer use HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells to test human taste reactions to artificial flavor enhancers. Life Issues Institute joined with Debi Vinnedge, executive director of Children of God for Life, boycotting Pepsi drink products because they contracted with Senomyx to provide research using the kidney cells of aborted babies. Life Issues Institute worked with Debi to create awareness of what PepsiCo was doing. Debi confirmed with Mr. Paul Boykas, Vice President of Global Public Policy for PepsiCo, that a change has been made. The company conducted internal discussions and recognized that the use of aborted babies was highly sensitive and controversial, and not in the best interests of PepsiCo. “We took the matter very seriously,” stated Mr. Boykas. “We have an official Statement on Responsible Research and we intend to live by that policy.” Here’s the policy posted on their website. Click here. The policy precludes any research by PepsiCo—or third parties they fund—from using human tissue or cell lines derived from embryos or fetuses. PepsiCo sent a letter to Debbi confirming this change. Click here. As a result, the boycott of Pepsi drink products has ended. This is a huge victory for those who believe in the sanctity of innocent human life. The boycott had been in place since May of 2011. Pro-lifers are now able to use Pepsi drink products with a clear conscience, knowing PepsiCo will no longer benefit from the human remains of aborted babies. We’re grateful to PepsiCo, but especially to those of you who participated in the boycott and communicated with the company. You made the difference. There are acceptable cell lines that Senomyx can and should be using—not just for PepsiCo’s research but for all their customers. You can expect future information on companies who are still doing business with Senomyx in a way that uses aborted babies. Please do one more very important thing. Please contact PepsiCo and thank them for doing the right thing. Jamie Caulfield, Sr. VP PepsiCo, Inc. 700 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577 Phone: 914-253-2000 Email: Click Here   For Life, Bradley Mattes Executive Director Life Issues Institute