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

7 February 2007

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 canvas 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.

For interviews with ACART's chair and spokesperson, Professor Sylvia Rumball, please contact:

Lucy Taylor at the Ministry of Health
04 819 6882 / 027 687 5642

Schedule of public meetings, hui and fono

Public Meetings

Illot Theatre
Wellington Town Hall
5.30 pm, Thursday 8 February 2007
Waitemata Room (Updated)
Langham Hotel
83 Symonds Street
Auckland
5.30 pm, Tuesday 13 February 2007
Christchurch Convention Centre
95 Kilmore Street.
5.30 pm, Tuesday 27 February 2007

We hope you can come and have your say. Refreshments will be served from 5 pm. To help with numbers please telephone or email ACART on (04) 496 2145 or acart@moh.govt.nz if you plan to attend.

Hui

ACART is also holding a series of hui to discuss these issues.

Tunohopu Marae
Tunohopu St
Ohinemutu, Rotorua
11.00am – 3.30pm, Monday 19 February 2007
Manawanui Marae
Corner of Sutherland Rd and Carrington Rd
Pt Chevalier, Auckland
11.00am – 3.30pm, Tuesday 20 February 2007
Maratahu Complex
Maratahu Street, Westown
New Plymouth
11.00am – 3.00pm, Thursday 22 February 2007
Rehua Marae
79 Springfield Road
Christchurch
11.00am – 3.00pm, Monday 26 February 2007
The Barge Showgrounds Events Centre (New hui)
Maunu
Whangarei
10:30am – 3.00pm, Thursday 1 March 2007

We hope you can come and have your say. Food and refreshments will be served during the hui. To help with numbers please telephone or email ACART on (04) 496 2145 or acart@moh.govt.nz if you plan to attend.

Fono

ACART is also holding a fono to discuss these issues.

Tamaki Campus,
School of Population Health, Auckland University
9.00 am – 4.00 pm, Friday 23 February 2007