Armey, flanked by leaders of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Christian Coalition, and the Family Research Council, said he agreed with President Bill Clinton's earlier proposals for a ban, but went further saying any ban should not allow any cloning research including study of cloning cells for producing replacement skin, cartilage, or bone tissue. He also said the ban should be permanent and not just for five years as Clinton proposed.
The FDA and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have both cautioned against wide-ranging bans on cloning research because they could prevent important gains in medical treatments for infertile couples, organ and tissue replacement, and other advancements.