§ 63-1-727. Human cloning.

A.  As used in this section, the term:

1.  “Human cloning” means human asexual reproduction, accomplished by introducing the nuclear material of a human somatic cell into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nucleus has been removed or inactivated to produce a living organism (at any stage of development) with a human genetic constitution;

2.  “Somatic cell” means a diploid cell (having a complete set of chromosomes) obtained or derived from a living or deceased human body at any stage of development;

3.  “Nucleus” means the cell structure that houses the chromosomes, and thus the genes; and

4.  “Oocyte” means the female germ cell, the egg.

B.  It shall be unlawful for any person or entity, public or private, to:

1.  Perform or attempt to perform human cloning;

2.  Participate in an attempt to perform human cloning;

3.  Ship, transfer, or receive the product of human cloning for any purpose; or

4.  Import the product of human cloning for any purpose.

C.  Nothing in this section shall restrict areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited by this section, including research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans.

D.  Any person or entity that is convicted of violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Added by Laws 2009, c. 223, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.