Proposed Guidelines on Extending the Storage Period of Gametes and Embryos: Consultation document

Consultation

Proposed Guidelines on Extending the Storage Period of Gametes and Embryos: Consultation document
Submissions close on 11 March 2011

Technology enables the safe storage of gametes (sperm and eggs) and embryos for many years. The Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 (the HART Act) sets a maximum storage period of 10 years for sperm, eggs and embryos unless the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART) approves extending the storage period. Parliament recently amended the HART Act to clarify that the 10-year period begins from 2004 or later, depending on when the gametes or embryos were first stored. This applies even where gametes and embryos were stored before 2004.

The amendment also clarifies the powers of ECART and the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART). When deciding applications for extending the storage period of gametes and embryos beyond 10 years, or beyond an approved extended storage period, ECART must use guidelines issued by ACART.

ACART has therefore developed proposed guidelines on extending the storage period of gametes and embryos. When the guidelines are finalised and issued, ECART will be able to consider and decide individual applications.

In this consultation document we present our proposals.

We invite you to send us your feedback

Enclosed is a submission form to help you to make your comments.

Your comments will be taken into account when we finalise the proposed guidelines, before we consult with the Minister of Health.

Submissions close on 11 March 2011

Downloads

Proposed Guidelines on Extending the Storage Period of Gametes and Embryos: Consultation document (Word, 474 KB)

Submission form (Word, 202 KB)