News article
The Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) has released a consultation document on Research Involving Human Gametes and Embryos.
The document presents possible types of research that could be done using human eggs, sperm and embryos and asks for feedback on this.
The current guidelines for human reproductive research – Guidelines for Research on Gametes and Non-viable Embryos – were published in 2005. It is important to review and update these guidelines to ensure society continues to benefit from developments in artificial reproductive technology while reflecting the views of the day.
Fertility treatments in Aotearoa New Zealand are publicly funded for eligible patients, and the combined public and private treatments support about 1,755 children to be born in Aotearoa each year, which is about one in 30 births. ACART believes we must have a robust framework for good-quality human reproductive research to take place and help improve the efficacy of fertility treatments so we can achieve the safest and best outcomes for children and patients.
ACART is interested in hearing public perspectives on:
- the ethical matters associated with research using human gametes and embryos
- what, if any, restrictions should be placed on human reproductive research in Aotearoa New Zealand
- cultural, legal or other matters.
Following the consultation, a set of draft guidelines will be produced for further consultation and review.
To access the full consultation document and provide feedback, please visit Research involving Human Gametes and Embryos on the ACART website. The deadline for feedback is 31 March 2023.
If you have any questions regarding the consultation, contact [email protected].
About ACART
ACART advises the Minister of Health on assisted reproductive technology in New Zealand. It was established under section 32 of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004. ACART currently has 10 members with Māori, legal, human reproductive service provider, consumer, and researcher, ethics, disability, children, and layperson perspectives.
ACART has two key functions:
- to provide independent advice to the Minister of Health
- to issue guidelines and provide advice to the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology on procedures and research requiring case by case ethical approval.
ACART also monitors (1) the application and health outcomes of assisted reproductive procedures and established procedures and (2) developments in human reproductive research.
For more information about ACART:
- visit the ACART website
- contact the ACART Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand
- Email: [email protected]