[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4160-17-P