Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Cloning

The questions surrounding human cloning are controversial and growing more complicated, especially as animal-cloning efforts move forward. The nation needs a clear, unbiased examination of the state of the science in this area as lawmakers and the public grapple with public policy and ethical issues. A joint panel of the National Academies' Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy and the Board on Life Sciences has undertaken a study to review the relevant scientific and medical research on human cloning as well as closely related issues regarding scientific and medical ethics. As part of its work, the committee will conduct an information-gathering meeting on Aug. 7.

Because of confusion outside the scientific community concerning the differences between human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research, the study also will explain the distinctions between these two endeavors. It will assess the current status of animal cloning, including outcomes of previous trials; whether knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies can be applied to cloning a human; criteria that should be used to evaluate the safety of human cloning; and public policy issues, including responsible conduct of research. The panel will recommend a process for evaluating future research and address whether there should be a moratorium on human cloning.

Read the Report

Read the January 18, 2002 report release/press conference transcript

Panel Charge

Panel Membership

Workshop Agenda (You can listen the an audio recording of the speaker presentations from the August 7 Workshop on this page.)

Workshop Program

About the Workshop

Speaker Presentations

Email List Registration

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