Assisted Human Reproduction at Health Canada
Introduction to Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR)
It is estimated that up to one in eight Canadian couples experiences infertility. Now more than ever, Canadians are turning to assisted human reproduction (AHR) procedures to help build their families.
Since 1993, the federal government has been working to respond to recommendations made by
the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies. During this time, action taken by
Health Canada has included: the introduction of a voluntary moratorium on nine problematic
AHR activities (1995), the passage of the Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act (1996), and the introduction of AHR
legislative proposals to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (2001). Recently,
on March 29, 2004, An Act respecting assisted human reproduction and related research, received Royal Assent.
This legislation, otherwise known as the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, is one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation in the world concerning reproductive technologies and related research. The legislation has three objectives: it prohibits human cloning and other unacceptable activities; it seeks to protect the health and safety of Canadians who use AHR procedures; and it ensures that AHR related research, which may help find treatments for infertility and diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, takes place in a controlled environment. The legislation also establishes Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (AHRC), a Federal agency, which will be responsible for licensing, inspecting and enforcing activities controlled under the Act.
This Web site serves as the primary source of information to stakeholders and other interested parties regarding the development of the components for the regulatory framework under the Act. It will also provide information on AHR, news releases regarding Health Canada's activities in this area, and information on international AHR activities.
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