Contact: Paulette W. Campbell
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FASEB Endorses National Academies' Report on Cloning

Bethesda, Md. — FASEB President Robert R. Rich, M.D., praised the recently released National Academies' report, Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning.  "On the basis of their thorough review of the scientific evidence, the authors of this report have produced an authoritative statement on human cloning," Dr Rich said. "Irving Weissman, the panel chair, and his colleagues should be commended for an excellent job of reviewing the studies of animal cloning and analyzing their implications for human beings."

 The report concludes that reproductive cloning poses significant dangers to the woman, fetus and newborn, and as a result should be prohibited.  Dr. Rich stated "FASEB has already endorsed S. 1758, Sen. Dianne Feinstein's ‘Human Cloning Prohibition Act,' and we are pleased that the Academy shares our view and calls for a statutory ban on the cloning of human beings."  Dr. Rich urged the research community to support S. 1758 in the upcoming Senate debate over human cloning.

 In summarizing the scientific and medical issues involved, the National Academies' report clearly distinguishes human reproductive cloning – where the objective is to create a child – from the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques to create stem cells.  "By making a clear and cogent distinction between these two activities, the National Academies' report makes an excellent contribution to public education and provides a sound basis for future policy discussions," Dr. Rich said. FASEB supports the report's recommendation that stem cell research using somatic cell nuclear transfer be permitted.

 FASEB is comprised of 21 societies with more than 60,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. FASEB's mission is to enhance the ability of biomedical and life scientists to improve — through their research— the health, well-being and productivity of all people. FASEB serves the interests of these scientists in those areas related to public policy; facilitates coalition activities among Member Societies; and, disseminates information on biological research through scientific conferences and publications.

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