These are different. These involve a human and an ethical dimension. The proposals call for a new agency to regulate everything from scientific research involving human embryos to fertility clinics. The draft legislation also calls for a ban on certain practices, among them, the cloning of human beings, gender preference, being able to select a baby's sex, commercial surrogacy, and the sale and purchase of human embryos. There would be tough penalties for breaking those laws.
Reproductive technologies is a controversial area.
It's where beliefs about life and science collide. So the Alliance party wants religious groups to be part of the new regulatory agency alongside the scientists and ethicists. I'm not saying that they should predominate, but they should have standing and the opportunity to bring their values to bear as well. It will be a while, however, before there is an agency or a new law. The Health Committee has until next January to make recommendations, then the legislation will go to Parliament for a vote.