Human gamete and embryo research in NZ

Media Release

7 February 2006

Should human gamete and embryo research take place in New Zealand, and if so, under what conditions?

A series of public meetings are about to get underway to help encourage, develop and inform discussion about human gamete and embryo research.

Hosted by the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART), the meetings will include expert panel discussions and will canvass the question: should human gamete and embryo research take place in New Zealand, and if so, under what conditions?

The meetings form part of ACART's current consultation on the discussion paper: Use of Gametes and Embryos in Human Reproductive Research: Determining Policy for New Zealand.

Chair of ACART, Professor Sylvia Rumball, says the discussion paper considers the use of gametes and embryos in human reproductive research from a scientific, ethical, legal and policy perspective.

Currently in New Zealand only non-viable embryos can be used for research.

"Attitudes to human reproductive research reflect the range of ethical and moral views held by different people and the policy advice ACART will formulate requires careful and thorough consideration.

"Submissions are being welcomed on the discussion paper to gather a wide range of opinions on human gamete and embryo research, whether it should be allowed in New Zealand, and if so, whether any limits on that research should be put in place.

"The public meetings are an important component of this consultation process and will provide a forum for attendees to ask questions of the expert panel members," Professor Rumball says.

ACART is hosting 3 public meetings, 5 hui and a fono around New Zealand during February.

The first public meeting is being held at the Wellington town hall on 8 February at 5:30pm. It will feature an expert panel discussion, including members from ACART, and will be facilitated by Kim Hill.

The role of the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) is to provide advice the Minister of Health on any matter relating to assisted reproductive procedures or human reproductive research and 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 discussion paper: Use of Gametes and Embryos in Human Reproductive Research: Determining Policy for New Zealand. Submissions close on 2 March 2007.

Further information about the discussion paper and the public meetings is available at: http://www.newhealth.govt.nz/acart

ENDS

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