Assisted Human Reproduction Act of 2004: Promoting Health But Placing Limits on Choice?

Mary Sharpe, RM PhD Kathleen Saurette, BSc

ABSTRACT
Despite the many positive aspects of the 2004 Assisted Human Reproduction Act, some of its elements may inadvertently restrict women’s autonomy. In particular, the Act states that only licensed professionals should inseminate women, potentially restricting those who wish to self-inseminate in privacy and avoid institutionally-controlled conception. The Act creates a problematic distinction between those who conceive through heterosexual intercourse and those who do not.

KEYWORDS
Assisted Human Reproduction Act, genetic engineering, insemination, reproductive technology, sex selection, stem cell, surrogacy