The Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations (Semen Regulations) establish national requirements for those involved with the processing and distribution of semen for assisted conception. The objective of these regulations is to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases (including AIDS) and disease agents through semen used in assisted conception, including in vitro fertilization, among other reproductive techniques.
Assisted conception is defined in the Semen Regulations as "a reproductive technique performed on a woman for the purpose of conception, using semen from a donor who is not her spouse or sexual partner". Therefore, semen belonging to a spouse or a sexual partner of the recipient is not subject to any of the requirements outlined in the Semen Regulations.
The Semen Regulations outline specific obligations that must be met in Canada by all semen establishments in which assisted conception is performed, processors, importers and distributors of semen used for assisted conception and physicians who perform assisted conception:
Users should also note that every person who processes or imports, or intends to process or import, semen for assisted conception must give notice to Health Canada before beginning any activity.
You may also consult the following document Guidance on the Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations prepared by Health Canada.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.
New Brunswick Contact(s):
Atlantic Operational Centre (NL, NB, PE, NS)
BTOX Specialist
Health Canada
16th Floor
Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3Y6
Telephone: 902-426-2160
Fax: 902-426-6676
E-mail: info@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html