Problems with the regulation of assisted reproductive technology: a clinician's perspective.
The use of the Infertility Treatment Act 1995 (Vic) as a model for regulating reproductive technologies throughout Australia poses many problems. This article argues that the legislation in Victoria is overly restrictive. In particular, banning embryo research is hypocritical. Embryo research was required to develop the clinical procedures and should be used to test innovations. Other problems are restricted access; privacy infringement; an intrusive regulatory body; conflicts with other laws; and confusion because of poor drafting or lack of foresight. Uniform statutes are unnecessary. The interests of individuals and the community are better served by regulation through the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee.
University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Melbourne IVF Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Australia. g.baker@unimelb.edu.au
H W Gordon
HW
Baker
D001315:Australia; D001675:Bioethics; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019924:Embryo Disposition / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D017041:Ethics Committees; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006076:Government; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D011640:Public Policy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014739:Victoria
Biomedical and Behavioral Research; Genetics and Reproduction; Infertility Treatment Act 1995 (Victoria); Legal Approach