As the father of a young child who suffers from juvenile onset diabetes, I have followed the debate about therapeutic cloning with more than just a passing interest.

Those who attempt to portray American science as a "Wild West" devoid of appropriate oversight are choosing to ignore the relevant facts. The Food and Drug Administration requires medical research, including that involving egg donation and tissue transplantation, to be approved by an institutional review board to ensure that risks are reasonable and minimized and that participation is informed, voluntary and free of undue inducements.

Millions of people, including my little girl, are hopeful that therapeutic cloning might help us find cures for terrible, life-altering diseases. The protections we need are already firmly in place. It is time to proceed with hope and not allow ourselves to be bound by those who would inflame false fears.