OTTAWA,
ON, May 8, 2024 /CNW/ - Many people including
those experiencing infertility, single parents and same-sex
couples, may choose assisted human reproduction, including the use
of donated sperm and ova, as a way of growing their families.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, is
announcing that Health Canada's updated screening criteria for
sperm and ova donors have come into force, integrating the latest
scientific evidence and input from consultations with
subject-matter experts in donor screening, industry, patient
associations, and 2SLGBTQIA+ groups.
In 2022, Health Canada approved submissions from Canada's two blood operators, Canadian Blood
Services and Héma-Québec, to eliminate the blood donor
deferral period for men who have sex with men (MSM) and other
individuals affected by the previous deferral policies. Today's
announcement builds on that progress and is a step forward in
reducing barriers that prevented many individuals from donating
sperm. The Government of Canada is
committed to ensuring that its sperm and ova donation policy is
safe, inclusive and scientifically based.
Health Canada is working with
the Canadian Standards Association to discuss potential changes to
the MSM donor screening criteria for cells, tissues and organs
(CTOs), that are under current consideration by experts in the
field of CTO donation. The Government of Canada is working toward a more inclusive
donation system that is supported by the recent advancements in
scientific evidence.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to continuing safe, inclusive, and
scientifically-based sperm and ova donation policies. By following
the latest evidence and science, we are ensuring that the sperm and
ova supply is stable to allow all Canadians to grow their
families."
The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
Associated Links
- Health Canada Directive: Technical Requirements for Conducting
the Suitability Assessment of Sperm and Ova Donors
- Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)