Assisted Human Reproduction Canada
About the Agency
Since the 1993 Report of the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies, there have been calls for Canada to establish a regulatory body to oversee the area of assisted human reproduction (AHR) and related research. It was envisioned that this regulatory body would protect and promote the health and safety of Canadians who are using AHR technologies.
In response to this need, the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada, also known as Assisted Human Reproduction Canada, was established under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act that was enacted by Parliament and received Royal Assent on March 29, 2004.
AHRC is a federal regulatory agency that will oversee the area of assisted human reproduction (AHR).
It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of up to 13 members who will reflect a range of backgrounds and disciplines thereby ensuring broad representation and varied perspectives on AHR-related issues and research.
AHRC was established in Vancouver in January, 2006. AHRC's mandate includes the following authorities:
- Exercise powers in relation to licenses under the
 Assisted Human Reproduction Act, including issuing, renewing, amending, suspending, or revoking licenses for AHR procedures or research using in vitro embryos;
- Inspect AHR clinics and research laboratories to ensure health and safety;
- Collect, manage and analyze health reporting information related to controlled activities;
- Designate inspectors and analysts for the enforcement of this Act;
- Monitor and evaluate national and international developments related to AHR and other issues related to the Act;
- Consult with persons and organizations within Canada and internationally;
- Provide information to the public and to the professions respecting assisted human reproduction and other matters to which this Act applies and their regulation under this Act and respecting risk factors associated with infertility;
- Provide advice to the Minister on assisted human reproduction and other matters to which the Act applies.
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