[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 56 (Monday, March 24, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13887-13888]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7366]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Notice of Four Meetings of the National Bioethics Advisory 
Commission (NBAC)

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is given of four meetings 
of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission. The Commission will 
continue discussing its response to the President's request to review 
the legal and ethical implications of the possible cloning of humans 
following the discovery of a technique for cloning sheep. The 
Commission is to report to the President in late May. This scientific 
finding raises a host of issues including ethical questions, in 
particular, the possible use of this technique to clone human embryos, 
as well as the promise of benefits in a number of areas. The meetings 
are open to the public and opportunities for statements by the public 
will be provided.
Dates/Times/Locations
Sunday, April 13, 1997, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.--Crystal City Marriott, 
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. 22202
Friday, May 2, 1997, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.--Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. 22202
Saturday, May 17, 1997, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.--Crystal City Marriott, 
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. 22202
Saturday, June 7, 1997, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.--Crystal City Marriott, 
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. 22202

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The President established the National 
Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) by Executive Order 12975 on 
October 3, 1995. The general mission of the NBAC is to advise and make 
recommendations to the National Science and Technology Council and 
other entities on bioethical issues arising from the research on human 
biology and behavior, and in the applications of that research 
including clinical applications. On the issue of cloning, the 
Commission is to undertake a thorough review of the legal and ethical 
issues associated with the use of this technology, and report back to 
the President with recommendations on possible federal actions to 
prevent its abuse.

Tentative Agenda

    The Commission will continue its review of the legal and ethical 
issues associated with the possible cloning of human beings and may 
hear from a number of invited speakers who are experts in their fields. 
Because of the very short lead time, more details are not yet 
available. Agendas will be available shortly before each meeting (see 
details below).

Public Participation

    The meetings are open to the public with attendance limited by the

[[Page 13888]]

availability of space. Members of the public who wish to present oral 
statements should contact the Acting Deputy Executive Director of the 
NBAC by telephone, fax machine, or mail as shown below as soon as 
possible, prior to the meeting. The Chair of the NBAC will reserve 
limited time for presentations by persons requesting an opportunity to 
speak. The order of speakers will be assigned on a first come, first 
serve basis or along other considerations. Individuals unable to make 
oral presentations are encouraged to mail or fax their comments to the 
NBAC at least two business days prior to the meeting for distribution 
to the Commission members and inclusion in the record. We urge anyone 
planning to speak to call the NBAC office two or three days before each 
meeting to obtain final information on the final logistical 
arrangements.
    Persons needing special assistance, such as sign language 
interpretation or other special accommodations, should contact NBAC 
staff at the address or telephone number listed below as soon as 
possible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Henrietta D. Hyatt-Knorr, National 
Bioethics Advisory Commission, MSC-7508, 6100 Executive Boulevard, 
Suite 3C01, Rockville, Maryland 20892-7508, telephone 301-402-4242, fax 
number 301-480-6900.

    Dated: March 19, 1997.
Henrietta D. Hyatt-Knorr,
Acting Deputy Executive Director, National Bioethics Advisory 
Commission.
[FR Doc. 97-7366 Filed 3-21-97; 8:45 am]
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