LB700

LB 700 is a bill in the Nebraska Legislature that purports to ban the cloning of humans.  While LB 700 does in fact ban human cloning (called “reproductive cloning”), it also bans a technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT- often called “therapeutic cloning”), which would significantly limit the research potential for cures and treatments of many debilitating diseases.  LB 700 criminalizes these activities, classifying them as a felony and imposing harsh penalties, triggering a dulling effect on research in Nebraska. 

Only six states have passed similar laws, although none are as punitive as LB 700.  In fact, two states with less punitive laws – Iowa and Michigan – are trying rigorously to repeal their laws because of the terrible effects to their research enterprise that have occurred since passage.  The other four states that have passed similar laws are North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana and Arkansas.   

Passage of LB 700 would . . .

• Deny life-affirming hope to countless patients and their families who seek cures for diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, cancer and other debilitating diseases.
   
• Deny patients and families their right to support this research and obtain life-saving cures.
   
• Demoralize Nebraska researchers and chillingly hinder the university’s recruitment of cutting-edge scientists in many research disciplines.
   
• Stigmatize Nebraska as one of only seven states that have banned and criminalized this 21st century research, while many other states are aggressively seeking state funding to support this research and are recruiting researchers who conduct it.
   
• Ban therapeutic cloning for research, which has the potential to save lives by developing new cures and treatments for debilitating diseases.
   
• Set limits on the type of research that can be performed in Nebraska at a time when the benefits and possibilities of therapeutic cloning could be favorable for the 100 million Americans suffering from diabetes, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, ALS, and other devastating conditions.
   
• Have a negative effect on economic activity by discouraging top scientists and researchers from working in Nebraska.