In a Press Release of May 14, 1997, The World Health Organization (WHO) assembly stated its position on cloning in human reproduction. At the Fiftieth World Health Assembly, which met in Geneva from May 5-14, 1997, members agreed to adopt a resolution affirming that the use of cloning for human replication is ethically unacceptable and contrary to human integrity and morality.

In this resolution, the delegates did respect the freedom of ethically acceptable scientific activity. However, they also recognized that developments genetic procedures such as cloning have unprecedented ethical implications. Related research and development must be carefully monitored and assessed. As Dr Hiroshi Nakajima, Director-General of WHO, emphasized, "It [human cloning] would violate some of the basic principles which govern medically assisted procreation, including respect for the dignity of the human being and protection of the security of human genetic material".