Thursday, February 27, 2003 Contact: Sean Oblack (202) 225-4176 Schiff Joins Colleagues In Introducing Amendment To Cloning Ban Bill To Preserve Therapeutic Research Schiff:  Therapeutic Cloning Research Vital to Cures for Alzheimer's, Spinal Injuries WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced an amendment today to the Weldon-Stupak bill - which bans human cloning - to allow therapeutic cloning research to continue.  Therapeutic cloning, or 'human somatic cell nuclear transfer', includes the cloning of molecules, cells or tissues for research, not reproduction.  Schiff's amendment will ban human reproductive cloning (initiating a pregnancy), but will preserve important research that does not lead to pregnancy "I don't think there's a single member of Congress that wants to allow human cloning," Rep. Schiff said today.  "But we can't turn our backs on the possibility of finding a cure for Alzheimer's or spinal cord injuries.  That's why I’m introducing an amendment today to the human cloning bill that will allow for continued research in the field of somatic cell nuclear transfer." The amendment was introduced by a bi-partisan coalition of Congressional members, including Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-PA), Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-FL), Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA).  The amendment will: Define human somatic cell nuclear transfer with the intent to initiate a pregnancy as a criminal act. Make it illegal to ship or transport the products of therapeutic cloning if the products will be used to initiate a pregnancy. Require all individuals or companies who plan to perform therapeutic cloning to register with the FDA. Require all research be conducted with Institutional Review Board oversight and with the informed consent of the donors of the cells to be used. Protect the cloning of molecules, DNA, cells and tissues for the purpose of scientific research that does not lead to pregnancy. Preempt future state laws that are different from the federal cloning law or prohibit protected research. The benefits of therapeutic cloning are numerous.  Specifically, patients will have the advantage of using their own DNA and thus preventing organ or tissue rejection.  Also, cures for such illness as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, juvenile diabetes, as well as spinal cord injuries rest with continued therapeutic cloning research.  "Millions of people suffer needlessly from Alzheimer's or live with spinal cord damage.  The coercive power of the government should not be used to preclude vital scientific research because some would choose to decline its benefits"  Schiff said.