[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9770-9771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5207]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Notice of a Meeting of the National Bioethics Advisory Commission 
(NBAC)

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is given of a meeting of 
the National Bioethics Advisory Commission. The Commission members will 
address the bioethical issues arising from the research on human 
biology and behavior, and in the applications of that research 
including clinical. They will also begin a review of the legal and 
ethical issues associated with the recent report of a technique of 
cloning sheep. The public is invited to speak on any of these issues 
and opportunities for statements will be provided.

DATES: Thursday, March 13, 1997, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 
March 14, 1997, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Commission will meet at the Watergate Hotel, Continental 
Chesapeake Extender Room, 2650 Virginia Avenue, NW., Washington, DC.


[[Page 9771]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The President established the National 
Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) by Executive Order 12975 on 
October 3, 1995. The charter of the Commission was signed on July 26, 
1996. The first meeting took place on October 4, 1996. The mission of 
the NBAC is to advise and make recommendations to the National Science 
and Technology Council and other entities on bioethical issues arising 
from the research on human biology and behavior, and in the 
applications of that research. On February 24, 1997, the President 
instructed the Commission to undertake a review of the legal and 
ethical issues associated with the recent report of a technique for 
cloning sheep. This scientific discovery raises a host of important 
issues including serious ethical questions, in particular the possible 
use of this technique to clone human embryos, as well as the promise of 
benefits in a number of areas.

Tentative Agenda

    The Commission will (1) receive reports from its subcommittees, (2) 
discuss and plan the Commission's 90-day report to the President on 
issues of cloning, and (3) listen to presentations from the public.

Public Participation

    The meeting is open to the public with attendance limited by the 
availability of space. Members of the public who wish to present oral 
statements should contact the Acting Deputy Executive Director of the 
NBAC by telephone, fax machine, or mail as shown below as soon as 
possible, prior to the meeting. The Chair of the NBAC will reserve time 
for presentations by persons requesting an opportunity to speak. The 
order of speakers will be assigned either on a first come, first serve 
basis or along other considerations. Individuals unable to make oral 
presentations are encouraged to mail or fax their comments to the NBAC 
at least two business days prior to the meeting for distribution to the 
subcommittee members and inclusion in the record. We urge anyone 
planning to speak to call the NBAC office two or three days before the 
meeting to obtain information on the final logistical arrangements.
    Persons needing special assistance, such as sign language 
interpretation or other special accommodations, should contact NBAC 
staff at the address or telephone number listed below as soon as 
possible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Henrietta D. Hyatt-Knorr, National 
Bioethics Advisory Commission, MSC-7508, 6100 Executive Boulevard, 
Suite 3C01, Rockville, Maryland 20892-7508, telephone 301-402-4242, fax 
number 301-480-6900.

    Dated: February 25, 1997
Henrietta Hyatt-Knorr,
Acting Deputy Executive Director, National Bioethics Advisory 
Commission.
[FR Doc. 97-5207 Filed 3-3-97; 8:45 am]
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