Summary of Amendments Submitted to the Rules Committee on
H.R. 534 - Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003
(in alphabetical order)
February 26, 2003 (12:00 p.m.)
Greenwood/Deutsch/Degette/Kirk/Eshoo/Schiff #6 - Substitute.
Defines human somatic cell nuclear transfer with the intent to initiate a pregnancy as a criminal act subject to criminal and civil penalties. Makes it illegal to ship or transport the products of human somatic cell nuclear transfer if the products will be used to initiate a pregnancy. Criminal penalties include imprisonment of up to 10 years. Civil penalties include fines up to $10,000,000 or 2 times the pecuniary gain from cloning. Provides for forfeiture of equipment, other property and any monetary gains from human cloning. Requires all individuals or companies who plan to perform human somatic cell nuclear transfer to register with the Food and Drug Administration. Requires all research be conducted with Institutional Review Board oversight and with informed consent of the donors of the cells to be used. Protects other uses of somatic cell nuclear transfer - including cloning of molecules, DNA, cells, or tissues. Protects in vitro fertilization, the administration of fertility-enhancing drugs, or the use of other medical procedures to assist a woman in becoming or remaining pregnant. Requires a study by the Institute of Medicine on the properties of embryonic, fetal and adult stem cells. Preempts future state laws that are different from the federal cloning law or prohibit protected types of research. Sunsets 10 years after enactment.
Jackson-Lee/Nadler #5
Provides an exemption to allow for the transfer of nuclei from somatic cells into unfertilized eggs to derive embryonic stem cells for the purpose of creating genetically diverse embryonic stem cell lines.
Lofgren #1
Provides an exemption for stem cell research for the purpose of therapeutic research to treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, severe burns, or other diseases.
Scott #2
Provides an exemption to allow the shipping, receipt, or importation for use in medical treatment of any product derived from an embryo (including pluripotent stem cells) if such product is unable to develop into a full human being.
Scott #3
Provides for a study by the General Accounting Office (GAO) to assess the need (if any) for amendment of the prohibition on human cloning. GAO must report its finding to Congress within 2 years.
Stearns #7
Expresses the Sense of the Congress that other nations should establish equivalent prohibitions on cloning.
Wu #4
Repeals the ban on human cloning 5 years after its enactment.
* Summaries derived from information submitted by the amendment sponsors.
