USA - Clinton comments on cloning issue

(4 Mar 1997) T/I: 11:09:47 GS 10:57:34 United States President Bill Clinton on Tuesday (4/3) banned federal funding for research into cloning human beings. Warning against "trying to play God," Clinton noted recent breakthroughs in genetically reproducing animals and said he does not believe federal funds should be used for human cloning. SHOWS: WASHINGTON, USA 4/3: Vs of Bill Clinton in office; ENGSOT Clinton saying "Our administration believes there are loopholes that could allow the cloning of humans if the technology were developed. Therefore I am issuing a directive banning the use of federal government funds for any cloning of human beings. Effectively immediately no federal agency may support,fund or undertake such activity. Of course, a great deal of research in this area is suported by private funds. That is why I am urging the entire scientific and medical community, every foundation, university, every industry supporting work in this area to heed the federal government's example. Cutaway; More ENGSOT Clinton saying "I am asking for a voluntary moratorium on the cloning of human beings until our bioethics advisory commission and our entire nation have had a real chance to understand and debate the profound ethical implications of the latest advances. As we gain a fuller understanding of this technology let us proceed not just with caution but also with conscience. By insisting not a single tax payer dollar supports human cloning and by urging a moratorium on all private research in this area we can ensure that as we move forward on this issue we weigh the concerns of faith and family and philosophy and values... not merely of science alone"; 1.34 #Clinton #cloning #President Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...