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CANADA: (Stem Cell / Cloning) Assisted Human Reproduction Legislation Becomes Law 2004-12 March 30, 2004 For immediate release OTTAWA -Bill C-6, An Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction and Related Research, received Royal Assent on Monday night and became law. This gives Canada one of the most comprehensive legislative frameworks in the world regarding assisted human reproduction (AHR). The law prohibits human cloning and other unacceptable activities, while protecting the health and safety of Canadians who use AHR. The Act provides controls for AHR-related research and will lead to the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada, responsible for licensing, inspecting and enforcing activities controlled under the Act. "We are very proud of this comprehensive legislation, which is the result of a decade of dialogue with Canadians," said Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew. "Health Canada is committed to developing the Act's regulations and will soon undertake extensive consultations involving the provinces/territories, stakeholders, and Canadians." The Act will have a staged implementation, with prohibitions and penalties for activities such as human cloning and payment to egg and sperm donors coming into force within the next month. Control of other activities will be phased in over a period of time. Further information will be available on the Health Canada web site as details become available. -30- Media Inquiries: Paige Raymond Kovach Health Canada (613) 948-4629 Sébastien Théberge/Adèle Blanchard Office of Minister Pettigrew Minister of Health Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Responsible for Official Languages (613) 957-0200 [log in to unmask] Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991 SOURCE: Government of Canada Newsroom (press release), Canada http://www.news.gc.ca/cfmx/CCP/view/en/index.cfm?articleid=80809& * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn