Dianne Feinstein: “Today, Senator Kennedy and I are introducing legislation that would prohibit, for a period of ten years, any person from…”

“Today, Senator Kennedy and I are introducing legislation that would prohibit, for a period of ten years, any person from attempting to clone a human being using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology. The reason for this legislation is simple: the cloning of a human being today remains scientifically dangerous, morally unacceptable, and ethically flawed. Let me be clear about the intent of this legislation right at the outset: I am opposed to human cloning. I do not believe it is, or will ever be, morally acceptable to clone human beings. This legislation was carefully drafted so that it would not prevent or interfere with vital biomedical research into cancer and other diseases, birth defects, infertility, and the mass production of drugs and vaccines. The Bill authorizes the continuation of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, and requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress in 4 1/2 years and 9 1/2 years on the science and ethical issues associated with this technology.”