Legislation to Ban All Forms of Cloning Introduced in the House and Senate

Representatives Dave Weldon (R-FL) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the “Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2005” (HR 1357/S 658), legislation to ban all forms of human cloning, including nuclear transfer (NT) research. The bill also imposes stiff penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of $1 million for investigators that violate the research provisions in this bill and prohibits patients from returning home from abroad after receiving treatment using NT research.

The Human Cloning Prohibition Act is the same legislation that passed the House by large margins in 2003 and 2004 but was stalled both years in the Senate. Although the legislation has 103 cosponsors in the House and 26 cosponsors in the Senate, as well as the support of President George W. Bush, it is unclear whether supporters of this bill will be able to gather the 60 votes generally needed to move contentious bills through the Senate.

In addition, sources have indicated that Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) are preparing to introduce legislation in the next month to ban human reproductive cloning but allow NT research under strict guidelines.

ASH Policy
ASH’s NT policy urges support for NT research while backing efforts to prohibit the cloning of a human being. The Society believes that NT research is a critical tool for scientists to fully develop the promise of stem cell research and will allow scientists to create new embryonic stem cell lines that advance the full investigation of the genetic causes of disease. Moreover, ASH ardently opposes human reproductive cloning and actively supports efforts to implement a complete ban on the practice. As a final point, ASH reaffirms its vigorous support for NT research while firmly denouncing any attempts at cloning a human being. The Society’s complete NT policy statement is available online.

Take Action
To take action on stem cell research, please join ASH’s Advocacy Campaign supporting legislation (S 471/HR 810) that provides for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research on lines derived after August 9, 2001.

ASH will keep members informed about new developments on NT research on Capitol Hill and opportunities to advocate for this issue.

If you have questions, or need more information, please contact Jeff Coughlin, ASH Government Affairs Manager, at (202) 776-0544.