1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-335 SPRUpdated April 23, 1998Cloning: Where Do We Go From Here?Irene Stith-ColemanSpecialist in Life SciencesScience Policy Research DivisionSummaryNews in February 1997 that scientists in Sco
2、tland had succeeded in cloning an adultsheep ignited a worldwide debate. Of concern are the ethical and social implications ofthe potential application of cloning to produce human beings. The announcementmarked the first time that researchers were able to produce an exact genetic replica ofan animal
3、 adult. Scientists identify a number of potential medical and agriculturalapplications for this technique. Within hours of the February 24 news, President Clintonasked his National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) to initiate a complete reviewof the ethical and social issues related to cloning a
4、nd report back within 90 days. OnMarch 4, 1997, the President sent a memorandum to the heads of all executivedepartments and agencies making it “absolutely clear that no federal funds will be usedfor human cloning.” He also urged the private sector to adopt a voluntary ban on thecloning of humans un