Texas Senate Bill SB641

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting human cloning; providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB641 would significantly impact state laws pertaining to bioethics and reproductive technology by clearly delineating the legality of cloning practices. By explicitly outlawing reproductive cloning, the bill seeks to address concerns regarding the ethical treatment of human embryos and the implications of cloning technologies on human rights and medical ethics. This law would align Texas with other states that have enacted similar prohibitions against human cloning, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for regulatory oversight in the realm of reproductive technologies.

Summary

SB641 is a bill introduced in the Texas legislature that aims to prohibit human reproductive cloning by criminalizing the implantation of human embryos created through methods other than fertilization. The bill specifies that if a person places a human embryo, created via methods other than traditional fertilization, into a woman's womb, this action would constitute a first degree felony. This legislative measure is intended to establish clear legal boundaries regarding reproductive cloning practices in the state.

Contention

While the bill may garner support from various segments of the public concerned about ethical cloning practices, there could be notable contention regarding the implications for scientific research and medical advancements. Opponents may argue that such a prohibition limits potential breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and stem cell research that could arise from the study of cloning technologies. Furthermore, debates may arise around the definitions of human embryos and the moral considerations intertwining science and ethics, highlighting a clash between scientific progress and ethical boundaries.