    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [January 10, 1998]
    [Pages 37-38]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    January 10, 1998

        Good morning. Today I want to talk with you about the extraordinary
    promise of science and technology and the extraordinary responsibilities
    that promise imposes on us.
        As we approach the 21st century it is clearer than ever that science
    and technology are changing the way we live and work and raise our
    families. Remarkable breakthroughs in biomedical science are helping to
    unravel the mysteries of life, holding out new hope for lifesaving cures
    to some of our most dreaded diseases. In recent years, we've made real
    progress lengthening the lives of people with HIV, finding the genes
    that can show heightened risk for breast cancer and diabetes. Now we're
    on the verge of discovering new treatments for spinal cord and even
    brain injuries.
        For 5 years I have maintained our Nation's solid commitment to
    scientific research and technological development, because I believe
    they're essential to our Nation's economic growth and to building the
    right kind of bridge to the 21st century. The balanced budget I will
    submit in just a few weeks to Congress reflects that continued
    commitment. And in my upcoming State of the Union Address, I'll talk
    more about what we're doing to keep America on the cutting edge of the
    scientific and technological advancements that are driving our new
    global economy.
        Still, it's good to remember that scientific advancement does not
    occur in a moral vacuum. Technological developments divorced from values
    will not bring us one step closer to meeting the challenges or reaping
    the benefits of the 21st century.
        This week, like many Americans, I learned the profoundly troubling
    news that a member of the scientific community
    is actually laying plans to clone a human being. Personally, I believe
    that human cloning raises deep concerns, given our cherished concepts of
    faith and humanity. Beyond that, however, we know there is virtually
    unanimous consensus in the scientific and medical communities that
    attempting to use these cloning techniques to actually clone a human
    being is untested and unsafe and morally unacceptable.
        We must continue to maintain our deep commitment to scientific
    research and technological development. But when it comes to a discovery
    like cloning, we must move with caution, care, and deep concern about
    the impact of our actions. That is why I banned the use of Federal funds
    for cloning human beings while we study the risks and responsibilities
    of such a possibility. And that's why I sent legislation to Congress
    last June that would ban the cloning of human beings for at least 5
    years while preserving our ability to use the morally and medically
    acceptable applications of cloning technology.
        Unfortunately, Congress has not yet acted on this legislation. Yet,
    it's now clearer than ever the legislation is exactly what is needed.
    The vast majority of scientists and physicians in the private sector
    have refrained from using these techniques improperly and have risen up
    to condemn any plans to do so. But we know it's possible for some to
    ignore the consensus of their colleagues and proceed without regard for
    our common values. So today, again, I call on Congress to act now to
    make it illegal for anyone to clone a human being.
        Our Nation was founded by men and women who firmly believed in the
    power of science to transform their world for the better. Like them,
    we're bound together by common dreams and by the values that will drive
    our own vision for the future. And our commitment to carry those
    enduring ideals with us will renew their promise in a new century and a
    new millennium. We must never lose touch with that, no matter what the
    reason, or we'll lose touch with ourselves as a people.

    [[Page 38]]

        Thanks for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:00 p.m. on January 9 at the Four
    Seasons Hotel in Houston, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January 10.
    In his address, the President referred to physicist Richard Seed, who
    announced on January 6 his intention to clone a human being within 2
    years. Attached to the transcript of the address were copies of the
    President's memorandum of March 4, 1997, and his message to the Congress
    of June 9, 1997, on human cloning (Public Papers of the Presidents:
    William J. Clinton, 1997 Book I (Washington: U.S. Government Printing
    Office, 1998), p. 233 and p. 711).