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Pettigrew Reinstates Reproductive Technology Bill By DARREN YOURK Globe and Mail Update Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 Federal Minister of Health Pierre Pettigrew has reinstated legislation in the House of Commons that would ban human cloning and allow limited stem-cell research on human embryos. The Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction and Related Research (Bill C-13) would also protect the health and safety of Canadians using assisted human reproduction (AHR) and regulate AHR activities and related research. "The proposed legislation on AHR is the result of extensive consultations over the past decade and it would fill a legislative void with a thorough and balanced approach," Mr. Pettigrew said in a statement. “More and more Canadians are turning to AHR to help them build their families, and this legislation would provide them with the safeguards they need." The most controversial portion of the proposed legislation would allow a government-appointed agency to approve using embryos left over from fertility clinics for stem-cell research. Many scientists consider human embryos the best source of stem cells, a promising component of regenerative medicine that may one day provide treatments for several conditions, including Parkinson's disease. The bill would also create the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada to monitor clinics that deal with in vitro fertilizations and fertility. The agency would be involved in licensing, protecting the health of those undergoing fertility procedures and in the collection of data. "Science and technology in this field are advancing rapidly," Senator Yves Morin said. "The proposed act would put in place a comprehensive and integrated system to protect the health and safety of those who are most affected by AHR — the women who use AHR services, and the children who are born as a result." In October, the legislation passed by a count of 149 to 109. The bill did not make it through the Senate before the Liberal government shut down the House in November. It had completed second reading in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology for review. With a report from Brian Laghi SOURCE: The Globe and Mail, Canada http://tinyurl.com/2fbmq * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn