Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91997E1194

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1194/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Cloning** 
  
*Official Journal C 367 , 04/12/1997 P. 0068*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1194/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Cloning

Although the experiments conducted in laboratories in Scotland and New Zealand have succeeded in opening up new frontiers of research into biotechnology, they have also raised the question of whether or not limits should be placed on scientific research and experimentation.

Although cloning represents a major scientific breakthrough, it needs to be studied, classified and regulated from an ethical point of view in a society which has scant resources and has to meet major requirements.

1. Can the Commission set up a high-level scientific committee to study the ethical and legal implications of and possible scenarios resulting from genetic cloning?

2. Can it draw up a directive which, in the meantime, enshrines the conclusions of the Council of Europe's resolution of 16 March 1989 and the results of the Council of Europe's first bioethics convention adopted in December 1996 which outlawed both human and animal cloning?

3. Can it draw up a directive imposing limits on science so as to ensure that ethical values are respected and that human beings are not subject to the manipulations of science?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1016/97 and E-1194/97 given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1997)

As the Honourable Member knows, the Commission immediately referred the matter to the advisory body on the ethics of biotechnology - an independent body - which should give its opinion by the end of May. The purpose is to consider in depth the ethical implications of cloning in general, in the light of the recent experiments. The advisory body has, moreover, decided to hold a round-table conference on this subject, to which Members of Parliament, representatives, high-level research scientists and other interested parties will be invited. In taking this initiative, characterized by dialogue and transparency, the advisory body has the full backing of the Commission.

The Commission is also looking at the possible implications of cloning for Community policies and considering what action it may take within its sphere of competence.

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