H.R.2161 - Human-Animal Chimera Prohibition Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2161, the Human-Animal Chimera Prohibition Act of 2025, seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the creation, transfer, and transportation of certain types of human-animal chimeras. The bill defines prohibited chimeras broadly, encompassing embryos created through various combinations of human and nonhuman genetic material, as well as nonhuman organisms engineered to possess human characteristics. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to outlaw specific scientific research practices involving the creation of human-animal chimeras. This could halt or significantly slow down research in areas such as regenerative medicine and xenotransplantation. The bill also establishes legal consequences for those who violate the prohibitions.
Potential Benefits
- May prevent ethical concerns related to the creation of beings with uncertain moral status.
- Could alleviate public anxieties about the potential misuse of biotechnology.
- May prevent the exploitation of animals in scientific research.
- Could reinforce the perceived boundaries between humans and animals.
- May prevent unforeseen consequences of creating human-animal chimeras.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder scientific advancements in regenerative medicine and xenotransplantation.
- May limit research into potential treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Could stifle innovation in biotechnology and related fields.
- May drive research to other countries with less restrictive regulations.
- Could limit the development of animal models for studying human diseases.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which could be used to justify the prohibition on creating or transporting chimeras across state lines. However, the bill could face challenges based on individual liberty and the right to scientific inquiry, although these rights are not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution. The lack of explicit constitutional guidance on biotechnology leaves room for interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).