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.