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 assis ted reproductive technology (ART) practitioner attitudes toward human repro ductive cloning. Methods. A review of the law and a survey of ART practitioners and a compar ison 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 suppo rt its use for limited indications. Conclusions. ART practitioners were surveyed concerning their views on huma n reproductive cloning and related techniques. A few had considered using o r had used embryo splitting or germ cell nuclear transfer. Although they ex pressed 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 willi ng to provide human reproductive cloning in indicated cases if it were lega lly permissible to do so. A significant percentage of the group also indica ted that they currently have the ability to provide this service.