The
Administration supports a ban on the cloning of human beings by somatic
cell nuclear transfer. The Administration unequivocally is opposed
to the cloning of human beings either for reproduction or for research.
The moral and ethical issues posed by human cloning are profound and
cannot be ignored in the quest for scientific discovery.
At
the same time, the Administration strongly approves of the development
of cell and tissue-based therapies based on research involving the
use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules,
DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or
animals other than humans. To date, these scientific methods have
enabled researchers to develop innovative drugs to treat research,
such as breast cancer, or aid in treatment techniques for injury,
such as cloning skin cells for skin grafts.
H.R.
2505, which prohibits human cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer
for any purpose, is consistent with the Administration's position.
Although some technical issues may warrant further review, the Administration
strongly supports the bill's overall intent and would welcome its
passage by the House.
The
Administration is strongly opposed to any legislation that would
prohibit human cloning for reproductive purposes but permit the
creation of cloned embryos for research. Thus, the Administration
would strongly oppose any substitute amendment that is similar or
identical to the language of H.R. 2608, which would permit human
embryos to be created and developed solely for research purposes.
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