RCMP charge owner of human fertility consulting business

NEWMARKET, ON, Feb. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - In September, 2011, the Assisted Human Reproduction Canada Agency (AHRC) received allegations of violations of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) and other Criminal Code offences. The allegations were referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Greater Toronto Area, Federal Enforcement Section, where an investigation was conducted into the business practices of Pleiades PICARD and her business the Canadian Fertility Consulting Ltd. (CFC), located at 8 Loyalist Drive, Unit 9, Municipality of Brighton, Ontario.

Search warrants were executed in February and March, 2012 in Brighton, Ontario and Comox, British Columbia, at the related business offices and residence of PICARD where computers, books and records were seized as supporting evidence. As a result of the investigation Pleiades (Leia) Dawn PICARD, 37, is charged with:

5 counts contrary to Section 7(1) Assisted Human Reproduction Act - No person shall purchase, offer to purchase or advertise for the purchase of sperm or ova from a donor or a person acting on behalf of a donor.
3 counts contrary to Section 6(1) Assisted Human Reproduction Act - No person shall pay consideration to a female person to be a surrogate mother, offer to pay such consideration or advertise that it will be paid.
3 counts contrary to Section 6(2) Assisted Human Reproduction Act - No person shall accept consideration for arranging for the services of a surrogate mother, offer to make such an arrangement for consideration or advertise the arranging of such services.
4 counts contrary to Section 367 Criminal Code of Canada - Forgery

Canadian Fertility Consulting Ltd. (CFC) is charged with:

5 counts contrary to Section 7(1) Assisted Human Reproduction Act - No person shall purchase, offer to purchase or advertise for the purchase of sperm or ova from a donor or a person acting on behalf of a donor.
3 counts contrary to Section 6(1) Assisted Human Reproduction Act - No person shall pay consideration to a female person to be a surrogate mother, offer to pay such consideration or advertise that it will be paid.
4 counts contrary to Section 367 Criminal Code of Canada - Forgery

Prior to October 1^st, 2012, Assisted Human Reproduction Canada was responsible for administering and enforcing the Assisted Human Reproduction Act and its regulations. Health Canada now is the Canadian federal authority responsible for the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. The RCMP continues to work in close partnership with Health Canada.

The RCMP will not be commenting further out of respect for the privacy of those who may have engaged the services of the accused.

First Appearance is scheduled for March 28th, 2013 at Old City Hall, Toronto.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Contacts:

Cpl. Cathie Glenn
Media Liaison
GTA Federal Enforcement Section
Toronto North Detachment
Office [phone]
Cell: [phone]
email:[email protected]