While societal opposition to human cloning appears strong, concerns have been raised that these objections may result in government restrictions that limit important and promising biomedical research. Nursing's core values emphasizing patient well-being, ethics, and the value of life demand participation in this debate. Disseminate information to members and other relevant groups regarding ANA's position on cloning. Building on the work of the ANA Committee on Legislation and the Ethics and Human Rights Advisory Board, the report recommends the development of a position statement and ANA's active participation in the debate surrounding cloning. A clone is a cell or entire organism that is identical to another.
Clones can occur in nature in several ways.
A group of genetically identical plants may arise from a single organism reproduced through an asexual cloning process known as mitosis. Among humans, identical twins are spontaneously occurring clones. This is known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. In theory, this organism could be implanted into a womb and allowed to develop into a human being. Hence, some consider it an embryo, worthy of the same protection as embryos conceived through fertilization.