Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning

Human reproductive cloning is an assisted reproductive technology that would be carried out with the goal of creating a newborn genetically identical to another human being. It is currently the subject of much debate around the world, involving a variety of ethical, religious, societal, scientific, and medical issues. Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning considers the scientific and medical sides of this issue, plus ethical issues that pertain to human-subjects research. Based on experience with reproductive cloning in animals, the report concludes that human reproductive cloning would be dangerous for the woman, fetus, and newborn, and is likely to fail. The study panel did not address the issue of whether human reproductive cloning, even if it were found to be medically safe, would be—or would not be—acceptable to individuals or society.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1. Introduction2. Cloning: Definitions and Applications3. Animal Cloning4. Assisted Reproductive Technology5. Human Reproductive Cloning: Proposed Activities and Regulatory Context6. Findings and RecommendationsAppendix A: Panel and Staff Biographical InformationAppendix B: Animal Reproductive Cloning Data Tables on Reproductive Cloning Efficiency and DefectsAppendix C: Workshop Agenda and Speaker Biographical InformationAppendix D: BibliographyAppendix E: Glossary