August 3, 2001

House Approves Broad Ban on Human Cloning

The House of Representatives July 31 approved H.R. 2505, the "Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001," by a vote of 265-162. Sponsored by Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.), H.R. 2505 would outlaw both reproductive cloning and the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer technology to produce human embryos for research purposes. The House also rejected a more narrowly constructed alternative (H.R. 2172) sponsored by Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-Pa.) which would prohibit the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer "with the intent to initiate a pregnancy" but would permit research to continue. The AAMC supported the approach advocated by Rep. Greenwood [see Washington Highlights, July 27]. H.R. 2505 now moves to the Senate where companion legislation (S. 790) has been introduced by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.). However, Senate leadership has not expressed an interest in moving the bill.

Information: Dave Moore or Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.