Media Release

6 July 2007

Your views are sought on uses of Assisted Reproductive Technology in New Zealand

ACART, the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology, today released the consultation paper, Advice on Aspects of Assisted Reproductive Technology: A consultation paper on policy issues. This consultation paper canvasses the public’s views on the following matters:
•    The use of:
- clinic-assisted surrogacy
- embryo donation
- donation of gametes between certain family members
- preimplantation genetic diagnosis
- donated eggs with donated sperm
gametes from deceased people.
   The import into, or export from, New Zealand of in vitro donated human gametes or in vitro donated human embryos.
•    Requirements of informed consent.

Chair of ACART, Professor Sylvia Rumball, says the consultation paper outlines the use of a range of assisted reproductive technologies in New Zealand and seeks public comment on the direction of future policy in these areas.

This consultation paper has two main purposes. Firstly, it seeks public opinion about the classification of assisted reproductive procedures and draft guidelines for the review of assisted reproductive procedures by the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART). Secondly, it highlights a number of related policy issues, such as the import into, and export from New Zealand of in vitro donated human gametes and embryos, on which ACART must provide advice to the Minister of Health”.

“The Committee is concerned to hear to the views of New Zealanders on these matters and welcomes both written and oral submissions. In formulating its advice to the Minister, ACART must consult with interested parties and the public on these matters and take any submissions into account. Therefore, ACART’s advice to the Minister will also be informed by Committee members meeting with interested parties, including consumers of fertility treatment, fertility clinics and ECART”.

The role of the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) is to provide advice to the Minister of Health on any matter relating to assisted reproductive procedures or human reproductive research. In preparing its advice ACART must take into account the views of New Zealanders.

A submission form which includes specific questions can be found at the back of the consultation paper. Submissions close on 17 August 2007.

Further information about ACART and the consultation paper is available at: www.acart.health.govt.nz

ENDS

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