For Immediate Release
February 22, 2005

United Nations Bans Human Cloning
Fact of the Day

The United Nations has adopted a draft declaration banning all forms of human cloning. Members of the United Nations are requested to urgently adopt legislation to prohibit all forms of human cloning because they are incompatible with human dignity and the protection of human life. The declaration also calls for the protection of human life in the application of life sciences and the prevention of exploitation of women. Any sort of genetic engineering techniques that threaten human dignity are condemned, and wealthier nations are asked to instead direct their attention and funding to immediate medical issues such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This is the first time a United Nations Declaration contains a clear statement on the importance of the protection and sanctity of all human life.

Source: Department of State and the NGO Coalition for Ethical Biomedical Research