FROM THE ARCHIVE

Religious sect starts cloning effort

Facebook Twitter
MARCH 29, 2001

On Wednesday, a religious sect testified before a House Commerce Subcommittee about its efforts to clone a human being.

Brigitte Boisselier, scientific director of the Raelian religion, stated that she has received a letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning her about human cloning research. But the group has begun its efforts, at a secret location in the United States, without submitting plans to the agency for review.

The group's religious leader, a man known as Rael, also testified.

Another scientist in Kentucky is also planning to open an offshore human cloning clinic. There is currently no ban on human cloning using private funds; the ban only exists for public monies.

Many Congressional leaders are seriously concerned about the prospect of cloning in general. President Bush said through his spokesman that he would support a ban of human cloning.

The first bill to ban human cloning was introduced yesterday and more will probably follow.

Get the Story:
Scientists Testify on Human Cloning Plans (The Washington Post 3/29)
Congress, White House signal support for ban on human cloning (AP 3/29)