U.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns (FL06)- Press Release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2003 - "The issue comes down to life and morality," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Science can, and has, achieved great strides benefiting humanity. However, just because something is scientifically and technologically feasible does not mean we should blindly pursue it." Stearns voted with the House in approving the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, H.R. 534, to ban human cloning.

"The United States is the leader in the development of science and technology - we should also provide moral leadership on the issue of cloning," Said Stearns. This bill criminalizes the act of cloning humans, importing cloned humans, and importing products derived from cloned humans. H.R. 534 does not in any way impede or prohibit stem cell research that does not require cloned human embryos. In addition, it does not prohibit the use of cloning techniques to produce molecules, tissues, organs, plants, DNA cells other than human embryos.

"Human cloning is morally wrong and would diminish the integrity of human life," concluded Stearns. "This measure preserves that integrity while permitting legitimate scientific research to continue."