Cardinal urges Congress to ban patenting, marketing of humans

Published: 2003-11-19

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The new chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities is urging Congress to accept a "common-sense" amendment that would ban the patenting and marketing of humans. Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore said in a Nov. 18 letter to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and other congressional leaders that the amendment proposed by Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., to prevent the patenting of human organisms should be included in the omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004. The amendment reaffirms an internal policy that has guided the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since 1987, "reflecting a common-sense understanding that no member of the human race at any stage of development is merely an 'invention' or property to be licensed, bought and sold," Cardinal Keeler said.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .