The current status of human cloning is characterized by significant ethical debate and variable legal frameworks, primarily focused on reproductive cloning.

Human reproductive cloning remains widely condemned across the globe, primarily due to the associated psychological, social, and physiological risks involved. According to Britannica, this universal condemnation underscores the ethical concerns raised by cloning practices, with many fearing the potential consequences for both cloned individuals and society at large. Source.

In the United States, the regulatory landscape is disjointed. While there are no federal laws explicitly prohibiting human cloning, some states have taken action into their own hands by enacting legislation against it. For instance, a recent initiative highlighted in an article from JHU Hub indicates that human cloning, while not outlawed at the federal level, faces legal restrictions in certain states. Source. Recent reports also show that several states, including Arkansas and Michigan, have implemented bans on all forms of human cloning as the debate over this technology grows. Source.

In the scientific community, there is hesitation regarding both ethical and biological implications. An article published in PNAS asserts that the majority of the public, along with diverse religious groups, continue to express strong ethical objections to human cloning. Concerns persist regarding the potential for exploitation and the moral ramifications of such scientific advancements. Source.

Moreover, legislative efforts are ongoing in Congress, where the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to ban all forms of human cloning, including therapeutic cloning. This vote, reported by Science, illustrates the prevailing apprehensions in legislative circles about the future implications of cloning technologies. Source.

Lastly, a Wikipedia entry highlights that while research using human embryos and stem cells might be permitted, calls continue for bans on human reproductive cloning, particularly in countries like Canada. This indicates a global consensus on the need for caution as we advance in cloning technologies. Source.

In summary, human cloning remains a highly controversial topic, dominated by ethical considerations and uneven legal responses, with an overarching trend towards prohibitive legislation in various regions.

Sources

Ethical Controversy - Cloning - BritannicaAsk an expert: How close are we to cloning humans? - JHU HubCloning humans? Biological, ethical, and social considerations | PNASThis Alabama state representative wants to outlaw human cloningHouse Votes to Ban All Human Cloning | Science | AAASCloning Is Here: Can We Really Live with Ourselves?Human cloning - Wikipedia

Related Questions

What is the current status of human cloning?

How close are we to being able to clone humans?

How many humans have been successfully cloned?