Submissions invited on the use of Gametes

MEDIA RELEASE

15 December 2006

Submissions invited on the use of Gametes and Human Embryos in Reproductive Research

Members of the public are invited to make submissions on the use of gametes and human embryos in reproductive research to the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART), who will be providing the Minister of Health with an advisory report on the matter in 2007.

ACART has today released a 63-page discussion document which provides an outline of the issues that might be covered in recommendations to the Minister. In addition to releasing their document, the committee plans to hold a series of public meetings, hui, fono and focus groups and will hear formal oral submissions. A timetable for these events will be publicised on the ACART website, www.newhealth.govt.nz/ACART, as soon as they are confirmed.

The date for submissions from the public to be received by ACART has been set at 5pm on Friday 2 March 2007.

The deadline for ACART's report to the Minister of Health is 30 June 2007.

The topic of using Human Embryos for Research was introduced to the public by Toi te Taiao - the Bioethics Council in July 2006 with the release of the discussion document, "The Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual aspects of Using Human Embryos for Research". As a result, public interest has been strong and the online discussion and the public seminar "Talking Embryos" attracted broad participation and comment.

It is hoped that many who participated in the Bioethics Council discussion will also contribute to the ACART consultation process.

The document can be accessed through the Bioethics Council website at:
www.bioethics.org.nz/...

ENDS

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