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ASRM Position on Cloning and Related Issues
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is
opposed to any attempt at human reproductive
cloning.
ASRM first took a stand against human cloning in
response to the cloning of sheep in 1997. At that time, we led an
international effort calling for a scientific moratorium on human cloning.
Since then, we have reviewed the scientific data on an ongoing basis and
have retained our original stance that, given the current state of
knowledge, any attempt at human cloning would be scientifically
inappropriate and thus unethical.
ASRM supports research into
the use of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) for therapeutic
cloning.
SCNT or therapeutic cloning is a very promising area
of research that must be allowed to move forward. The best approach would
be to bring this research under the oversight of the federal government by
funding it through the National Institutes of Health.
ASRM
supports a carefully drafted legislative prohibition on cloning
that:
-
Is accurate scientifically
-
Is limited to reproductive uses
-
Would allow research into other uses of nuclear transfer technology
-
Contains a sunset provision
ASRM opposes the Brownback bill (S. 790) because it
criminalizes legitimate scientific research and would make it illegal for
American patients to benefit from these therapies if developed
abroad.
Feinstein-Kennedy (S. 1758), Campbell (S. 704) and
Harkin-Specter (S. 1893) are all more carefully drafted, responsible
approaches to cloning that would prohibit reproductive cloning but allow
research to move forward.
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American Society for Reproductive
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formerly The American Fertility Society
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