CANADA: (Stem Cell / Cloning) Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation Becomes Law

[Murray Charters <mcharters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

CANADA: (Stem Cell / Cloning) Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation Becomes 
Law
2004-12
March 30, 2004
For immediate release

OTTAWA -Bill C-6, An Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction and Related 
Research, received Royal Assent on Monday
night and became law. This gives Canada one of the most comprehensive 
legislative frameworks in the world regarding
assisted human reproduction (AHR).

The law prohibits human cloning and other unacceptable activities, while 
protecting the health and safety of Canadians
who use AHR. The Act provides controls for AHR-related research and will lead 
to the establishment of the Assisted
Human Reproduction Agency of Canada, responsible for licensing, inspecting and 
enforcing activities controlled under
the Act.

"We are very proud of this comprehensive legislation, which is the result of a 
decade of dialogue with Canadians," said
Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew. "Health Canada is committed to developing the 
Act's regulations and will soon
undertake extensive consultations involving the provinces/territories, 
stakeholders, and Canadians."

The Act will have a staged implementation, with prohibitions and penalties for 
activities such as human cloning and
payment to egg and sperm donors coming into force within the next month. 
Control of other activities will be phased in
over a period of time.

Further information will be available on the Health Canada web site as details 
become available.

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Paige Raymond Kovach
Health Canada
(613) 948-4629

Sébastien Théberge/Adèle Blanchard
Office of Minister Pettigrew
Minister of Health
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
Minister Responsible for Official Languages
(613) 957-0200
Pettigrew-Communications@xxxxxxxxxxx

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991

SOURCE: Government of Canada Newsroom (press release), Canada
;

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