Iowa criminal charge
Human reproductive cloning in Iowa
Human reproductive cloning is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 707C.4. Its classification is not fixed: Iowa assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Iowa Code § 707C.4.
What is the penalty for human reproductive cloning in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Performing or attempting human reproductive cloning — Applies when a person performs, attempts to perform, or participates in performing or attempting to perform human reproductive cloning.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Performing or attempting human reproductive cloning — Applies when a person performs, attempts to perform, or participates in performing or attempting to perform human reproductive cloning.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Transfer or receipt of cloned product — Applies when a person transfers or receives, in whole or in part, the product of human reproductive cloning for purposes of shipping, receiving, or importing it.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Transfer or receipt of cloned product — Applies when a person transfers or receives, in whole or in part, the product of human reproductive cloning for purposes of shipping, receiving, or importing it.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is human reproductive cloning classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performing or attempting human reproductive cloning | Class “C” Felony | Applies when a person performs, attempts to perform, or participates in performing or attempting to perform human reproductive cloning. | Iowa Code § 707C.4(2)(a) |
| Transfer or receipt of cloned product | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when a person transfers or receives, in whole or in part, the product of human reproductive cloning for purposes of shipping, receiving, or importing it. | Iowa Code § 707C.4(2)(b) |
Common questions about human reproductive cloning in Iowa
Is human reproductive cloning a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: human reproductive cloning ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 707C.4.
Performing or attempting human reproductive cloning: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 707C.4(2)(a)) · Transfer or receipt of cloned product: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 707C.4(2)(b))
What are the penalties for human reproductive cloning in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers human reproductive cloning?
Human reproductive cloning is governed by Iowa Code § 707C.4 (Human reproductive cloning — prohibitions — penalty).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.