Ron Kind: “This is not a fight about banning human cloning. We all agree cloning for purposes of creating another human being is…”

“This is not a fight about banning human cloning. We all agree cloning for purposes of creating another human being is wrong and it should be prohibited. Instead, what we are arguing about is allowing scientific research to continue that can lead to cures for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, H.R. 534's approach would take a Howitzer after a house fly. What about bone marrow transplants? What about in vitro fertilization? If we logically extend the argument for H.R. 534, that is next. Some of the most advanced and exciting stem cell research in the world is occurring at the University of Wisconsin. I have had the opportunity over a few occasions to visit their research department; and while the research they are doing there itself is exciting, what is most impressive is how much in tandem the researchers of the science and the ethics department work. What most people do not realize on this subject is that therapeutic stem cell research is already a heavily regulated industry. The FDA has strict requirements on what they can and cannot do. But my main point is this: we need to do this if for no other reason than to provide leadership for the rest of the world.”