LAWMAKER PROPOSES HUMAN-CLONING DELAY.Byline: Paul Hefner Daily News Sacramento Bureau Worried by experiments creating clones of sheep and monkeys, a state lawmaker called Tuesday for a five-year moratorium A suspension of activity or an authorized period of delay or waiting. A moratorium is sometimes agreed upon by the interested parties, or it may be authorized or imposed by operation of law. on human cloning Although genes are recognized as influencing behavior and cognition, "genetically identical" does not mean altogether identical; identical twins, despite being natural human clones with near identical DNA, are separate people, with separate experiences and not altogether in California. Though no scientists are known to be trying to clone humans, recent successes with other animals mean such work may not be not far off, and the state needs time to consider its implications, said Sen. Patrick Johnston Patrick Johnston may refer to:
``Just because we know how to do something, doesn't mean we should,'' Johnston said. He said he has introduced legislation that would levy a fine of $2,500 on anyone who clones a human being before Jan. 1, 2003. The bill, SB 1344, would raise the fine to up to $100,000 for repeated violations. The proposal comes after researchers in Scotland announced last month that they had transferred the DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. from an adult sheep into an egg, creating a lamb named ``Dolly'' that is a genetic twin - or clone - of the original. Scientists in Oregon also have reported that they have cloned two monkeys. As chairman of the Senate's Select Committee on Genetics and Public Policy, Johnston also called for public hearings on the issue. ``While there may prove to be beneficial medical applications of some aspects of human cloning research, there are sure to be profound moral, ethical, spiritual, legal and societal implications,'' Johnston said in a statement issued Tuesday. Last week, President Clinton imposed a ban on the use of federal money to clone humans and asked private researchers to hold off voluntarily at least until June, when a national commission on bioethics bioethics, in philosophy, a branch of ethics concerned with issues surrounding health care and the biological sciences. These issues include the morality of abortion, euthanasia, in vitro fertilization, and organ transplants (see transplantation, medical). is due to complete a report on the topic. Federal law already bars the use of federal funds Federal Funds Funds deposited to regional Federal Reserve Banks by commercial banks, including funds in excess of reserve requirements. Notes: These non-interest bearing deposits are lent out at the Fed funds rate to other banks unable to meet overnight reserve for research on human embryos or to create human embryos. |
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