Season 1 - Episode 5

Episode 5 of Under the Microscope Season 1 dives headfirst into one of the most persistent and unsettling COVID-19 vaccine myths — that aborted babies were used to develop the vaccine.

With trademark humour and clarity, Dr Riaad Moosa, who is a qualified medical doctor and beloved South African comedian, takes on this misinformation and explains the scientific reality behind the rumour. His approach doesn’t shame or dismiss, but rather invites understanding through comedy, compassion, and fact. Look out for the Indian Biryani metaphor as Riaad makes light of the conspiracy theory and shows how ridiculous it is.  

In the episode, Riaad explains that while some COVID-19 vaccines were tested using historical cell lines originally derived from foetal tissue in the 1970s and 1980s, these are lab-grown cell cultures used for research and development purposes only. No new foetal tissue is used, and no babies are “harvested” — a term often irresponsibly thrown around by anti-vaccine activists. The process is tightly regulated and subject to strict global scientific and ethical standards.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is its balance of truth and tone, combining data-backed science with an accessible, emotionally intelligent delivery. Riaad doesn’t just bust the myth, he makes the audience feel safe enough to listen, question, and shift perspective.

Even the Pope has publicly endorsed the use of the COVID-19 vaccine, acknowledging that its life-saving potential far outweighs any theological misunderstanding about how it was developed.

Produced by Iron Heart, a content creation studio specialising in social impact storytelling, Under the Microscope uses creative video content to counter misinformation with credibility, comedy, and humility. This episode is a clear example of how smart, ethical content can cut through fear and fiction and promote informed public health decisions.

Because when science is explained clearly, the truth becomes a lot less scary, and a lot more empowering.