In March 2004, the Senate approved Bill C-6, An Act respecting assisted human
reproduction and related research, and officially became law on March 27, 2004
as it received royal assent. This legislation has been long awaited and is
urgently required as it is an important component in what should be a comprehensive
strategy for optimal sexual and reproductive health of all Canadians.
This bill addresses many concerns such as sex selection, commercialization
of sperm and eggs, preconception arrangements, lack of counselling, lack of
information on outcomes, and lack of a publicly accountable system for managing
these technologies.
This legislation will also establish the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency
of Canada, to establish a regulatory body to oversee the area of assisted human
reproduction (AHR) and related research in order to protect and promote the
health and safety of Canadians using AHR technologies. It is critically important
that this agency be created as to begin its work as soon as possible. The agency
through its consultation and education programs can and should create opportunities
for Canadians to share their concerns, learn from each other and from new research,
and will allow citizens to understand how effective these technologies are
and what their outcomes may be.
However the legislation is only one part of an overall strategy to improve
reproductive health for Canadians, which would also include:
- The prevention of infertility – reducing sexually transmitted
infections and also addressing environmental causes;
- Increased access to contraception as for most women control of fertility remains
their major issue;
-
Healthy public social policy that will support the parenting of young children;
- Including in-vitro fertilization and other approved regulated services in Medicare
as a publicly insured service.
For more information:
An
Act respecting assisted human reproduction and related research (Bill C-6) (Link
requires PDF reader)
Assisted human reproduction (AHR): frequently asked questions
The
March 9, 2004 Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs,
Science and Technology
Francoise Baylis speaking notes (PDF
Reader Required)
Prenatal Technologies
May Not Offer Reproductive Choice – Network Spring
2003
The Ethical and Human Rights Implications of Prenatal Technologies: The Need
for Federal Leadership and Regulation Spring 2002
