WASHINGTON — The National Right to Life Committee began running radio ads in Utah Thursday to attack one-time ally Sen. Orrin Hatch for his drive to allow human cloning for research.

"We feel it's important to respond in Utah to assertions that Senator Hatch has been making," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the group.

He declined comment on whether his group will continue political attacks on Hatch, including opposing his future re-election.

The ads playing in five cities, including Salt Lake City and Ogden, have a husband and wife discussing several of Hatch's arguments and counterclaims made by pro-life groups.

Hatch on April 30 backed human cloning for research after what he said was lengthy study and prayer. He said it may help bring cures for diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer and diabetes.

He said he believes it does not destroy human life, which he says he believes begins only when an embryo is implanted in a mother's womb and has a chance to grow into a baby.

Supporters of human cloning said Hatch's support likely put them over the top in votes needed to pass their bill in the Senate in coming weeks. The House, however, passed a total ban on cloning.

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