(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saying she is opposed to the creation of life for the purpose of destroying it, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) today became the lead sponsor on legislation to ban human cloning. Senator Landrieu joins U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) in cosponsoring the Brownback-Landrieu Human Cloning Prohibition Act (S. 1899). "The American people insist that the work of science must be conditioned on conscience," Landrieu said. "Anything short of a complete ban creates a loophole that would allow researchers, seeking to make money or headlines, the power to decide this issue for the American people. The risks of human cloning outweigh the potential benefits. There are other technologies available that allow the same medical advances to move forward, without bearing these risks. That is the direction supported by the people of Louisiana and the nation, and that is the direction of this legislation. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill with Senator Brownback."

Efforts to create human beings by cloning mark a new and decisive step toward turning human reproduction during a manufacturing process in which children are made in laboratories according to preordained specifications. The Brownback-Landrieu Human Cloning Prohibition Act would ban all human cloning. Among the many concerns cloning opponents have is that vulnerable, low income women could be used as harvest tools.

"I am pleased to recognize Sen. Landrieu's cosponsorship of the Human Cloning Prohibition Act today," Brownback said. "Sen. Landrieu understands the dangers and moral dilemmas associated with cloning human beings. In addition, science continues to prove that human cloning is unnecessary. We can find cures for the many diseases that plague humanity without creating human clones," Brownback said.