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ASRM BULLETIN
Volume 3, Number 19
August 7,
2001
ASRM Statement on Attempts at Human Cloning
The National Academy of Sciences was asked to prepare a
report on human cloning for Congress. They convened a panel today to hear
from all sides of the debate. Drs. Zavos and Antonori used this as an
opportunity to announce to the press that they had recruited patients for
their cloning efforts.
ASRM has repeatedly stated its opposition to
human reproductive cloning. Accordingly, we released the following
statement this afternoon.
_____________________________________
For Immediate Release
August 7, 2001
Contact:
Sean Tipton
202/863-2494
stipton@asrm.org
ASRM Statement on Attempts at Human Cloning
Statement Attributable to Sean Tipton
Director of
Public Affairs, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
“As we have said since 1997, the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine opposes any attempt at reproductive cloning of a
human being at this time.”
Despite the assertions of progress by
some self-proclaimed cloning experts, there is no scientific evidence to
justify an attempt to clone a human being.
We are also deeply
concerned about recruiting patients to participate in these efforts.
Infertility can be an emotionally devastating disease. Any effort that
offers false hope to these patients is irresponsible and
unethical.
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology holds
great promise, and research should be allowed to continue into its uses
for therapeutic purposes. ASRM supports responsible legislation to make
human reproductive cloning illegal. However, we caution policy makers not
to be rushed into approving irresponsible, over-reaching
legislation.
ASRM, founded in 1944, has more than 8,500 members who
are devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine
and biology. ASRM-affiliate societies include the Society of
Reproductive Surgeons, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, and the
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
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