Health Canada wants to update the Assisted Human Reproduction Act

Public invited to comment on the proposed changes to the Act

OTTAWA, July 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Building or expanding a family is a dream held by many Canadians. For some, assisted human reproduction could make that dream a reality.

The Government of Canada recognizes that many Canadians struggle with infertility. In October 2016, Health Canada announced its intent to bring sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHR Act) into force. Today, Health Canada released policy proposals that will inform the development of regulations needed to bring these sections into force to protect the health, safety, dignity and rights of Canadians who use or are born of assisted human reproduction technology. The policy proposals are now open for public consultation until September 9, 2017.

The policy proposals outline how the regulations will:

• reduce the risks to human health and safety arising from the use of donor sperm and ova for the purpose of assisted human reproduction, including the risk of transmitting disease;
• clarify what expenses incurred by donors and surrogates are eligible for reimbursement, including reimbursement for the loss of work-related income; and
• establish a framework for inspectors to verify and enforce compliance with the AHR Act.

Health Canada is committed to making sure the rules governing assisted human reproduction protect Canadians' safety and reflect their needs. In order to do so, we welcome the public's input on these important sections of the AHR Act and will consider the feedback we receive as part of the current regulatory development process.

Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is Health Canada's priority. Bringing these sections of the AHR Act into force will help provide clarity for those who use or provide assisted human reproduction services.

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/media-room.html

SOURCE Health Canada

Media Relations, Health Canada, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709