Human reproductive cloning and related techniques: An overview of the legal environment and practitioner attitudes

Purpose. This study provides an overview of the legal environment and assisted reproductive technology (ART) practitioner attitudes toward human reproductive cloning. Methods. A review of the law and a survey of ART practitioners and a comparison group of attorneys were undertaken. Results. Human reproductive cloning has been prohibited in many countries, and may soon be prohibited in others. However, many ART practitioners support its use for limited indications. Conclusions. ART practitioners were surveyed concerning their views on human reproductive cloning and related techniques. A few had considered using or had used embryo splitting or germ cell nuclear transfer. Although they expressed some concerns about the present risk of reproductive cloning, most indicated that it did not violate their religious beliefs. More than three-quarters of ART practitioners responding indicated that they would be willing to provide human reproductive cloning in indicated cases if it were legally permissible to do so. A significant percentage of the group also indicated that they currently have the ability to provide this service.