When They Outlaw Clones…

…will only outlaws have clones? The House of Representatives has re-passed its comprehensive ban on human cloning. Violators will be prosecuted: The law stipulates fines of up to $1 million and 10 years in the clink. Next up: Banning identical twins?

For those of us who favor scientific progress and innovation that promises to extend and improve human life, the good news is that backers of the Senate version of the bill, Sens. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), acknowledge they don't have the votes to end debate and force a vote. (Memo to enteprising reporters: Grill Landrieu about her support for abortion and her stance on cloning; her few attempts to explain them haven't added up to much coherent).

Reason's voluminous coverage on the cloning, stem cell research, and related issues is collected here.

Comments

[Steve]

Interesting bedfellows in the cloning debate, I'd say.

[mike van winkle]

Furthermore, what happens to the cloned children of these scientific outlaws. Are they to be institutionalized...forced into foster care while presumably willing and possibly loving parents rot in the "clink." What rights do clones have?

[Brian]

"Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., said anything other than a total ban 'would license the most ghoulish and dangerous enterprise in human history.'"

Hmmm...the Holocaust, the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem witch trials...

Yeah, I guess growing human cells to research potential cures for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc., trumps those in terms of "ghoulishness".

Anyone want to bet on how soon the attitudes towards this change once all the Baby Boomers start getting really old and sick?