News Release
2003-81
October 28, 2003
For immediate release
House of Commons passes Assisted Human Reproduction Bill
OTTAWA - Today the House of Commons voted in favour of Bill C-13, An
Act respecting assisted human reproduction and related research. The Bill will now be sent
to the Senate for review.
"Bill C-13 will fill a legislative void that currently exists in this country. It reflects
the Government of Canada's commitment to protect the health and safety of the people of
Canada who turn to assisted reproductive technology to help them build their families.
It also represents an important step forward in protecting the children who are born with
the assistance of such technologies," said Minister McLellan.
In addition to prohibiting unacceptable activities such as cloning, and the buying and
selling of eggs and sperm, the legislation will provide for a legal framework, including
regulations and inspections in an area that is currently largely unregulated. It provides
for the creation of the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada, which will have authority
to oversee the proper functioning of the Act and its regulations.
For the first time in Canada, when passed, the legislation will ensure that research using
the in vitro human embryo is regulated and can only take place in a regulated environment.
For example, this research could only be done after informed written consent is received
from those people donating embryos following completion of their fertility treatment. This
research has many potential benefits, such as advances in treating infertility, spinal-cord
injuries or other serious diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer.
"Countless individuals and organizations have contributed to bringing the legislation
to this point. Canadians have clearly said that they want federal leadership in this area.
Today the House of Commons has demonstrated that leadership," said Minister McLellan.
Bill C-13 represents a balanced, reasonable and principled approach: an approach that
is comprehensive - that draws on the experiences and best practices of countries around
the globe, yet remains uniquely our own. It represents a Canadian approach that prepares
us to handle the challenges of the future.
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Media Inquiries:
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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