It would allow babies to be created from reproductive material such as banked sperm from someone who died, provided written consent was obtained before the donor's death. However, none of the changes are written in stone. Because of the controversial nature of many aspects of reproductive and genetic technologies, Rock will give Canadians one last chance to express their views before proceeding with the new law. In a bid to ensure that Canadians feel comfortable with the practices to be allowed, Rock has asked a standing parliamentary health committee to undertake nationwide consultations on the proposals, even if that means further delaying the long-overdue legislation by a few years. Among practices to be regulated are some forms of stem cell research, whether funded privately or using tax dollars.
Stem cells are a type of immature cell that exists for a short period of time in fetal tissue.
They have the capacity to develop into various human tissues or organs. Scientists believe this capability holds enormous therapeutic promise because the stem cells might be used to replace tissue destroyed by such diseases as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, retinal degeneration, muscular dystrophy, or even spinal cord injuries. The government would allow stem cell research to proceed, but only if the cells are derived from embryos left over from fertility treatments or fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions. The work would also have to be approved by panels of scientists and ethicists, and could only be performed by licensed researchers and facilities. Jardine also welcomed Rock's decision to submit the draft bill to public scrutiny.