This section contains a list of past consultations listed by year order.
In 2022/2023, ACART consulted the public on research involving human gametes and embryos.
The current guidelines for human reproductive research, titled Guidelines for Research on Gametes and Non-viable Embryos(external link), were published in 2005. It is timely to review these now with a view to providing updated guidelines that still enable society to benefit from developments in ART while reflecting the views and attitudes of the day.
Based on the outcome of this consultation, ACART will develop draft guidelines which will later be the subject of a second round of consultation.
ACART sought feedback on a proposal to amend the Guidelines for Extending the Storage Period of Gametes and Embryos to address an apparent anomaly that affects the extension of the storage of embryos created using donated gametes (sperm and/or eggs).
Find out more at Proposed Changes to the Guidelines for Extending the Storage period of Gametes and Embryos: Consultation Document.
In 2021, ACART consulted the public on the regulation of the use of cryopreserved testicular tissue (CTT) in fertility treatment. In 2022, ACART then advised the Minister of Health on this matter and ACART expects the Minister will make a decision in due course.
The retrieval of sperm from fresh testicular tissue is an EP, and the HART Order describes sperm cryopreservation as an EP. However, the procedures described under ‘sperm cryopreservation’ are not an exhaustive list. ACART also notes that neither ‘sperm’ nor ‘testicular tissue’ is defined in the HART legislation. ACART understands that it is standard practice for clinics to extract sperm from thawed CTT, and that practitioners believe this is also an EP.
Because the HART Order does not explicitly cover the use of CTT, it needs to be amended to clarify the legality of the procedure. ACART believes that the proposed change to the HART Order is not controversial and does not carry any significant ethical concern.
ACART undertook a two-stage consultation to assess the need for change in how we regulate posthumous reproduction in New Zealand.
Guidelines developed as a result could allow people to use fertility treatment if a loved one dies.
The first round of consultation in 2018 presented ACART’s background to, and rationale for, policy proposals to consider replacing the original (current) guidelines written in the year 2000.
ACART asked the public if, and in what circumstances, posthumous reproduction might be acceptable.
ACART considered the policy matters and drafted new guidelines and sought public feedback on the proposed guidelines.
This consultation document presented the proposed guidelines along with information on the background and rationale.
It raised important ethical questions about the retrieval and use of gametes from a person who is no longer able to consent.
ACART also asked who should be able to authorise the retrieval and use of gametes, and noted that the regulatory mechanism needs to be confirmed.
On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) the Chair is pleased to present this submissions analysis for the stage two consultation on the proposed guidelines for the posthumous use of gametes, reproductive tissue and stored embryos.
All perspectives are being considered alongside legal and ethical issues, and the principles of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act, as ACART progresses with finalising the guidelines and developing advice to the Minister of Health to update the guidelines for posthumous reproduction.
We especially thank all those who made submissions for their valuable input.
This was a second round of consultation on proposed changes to the guidelines for family gamete donation, embryo donation, the use of donated eggs with donated sperm (donated eggs/donated sperm) and clinic-assisted surrogacy (collectively, the Donation Guidelines review). The closing date for feedback was 25 March 2019. Your feedback was important in helping ACART finalise its guidelines. We will publish the results of the feedback later in the year.
Read the consultation document: Second Round of Consultation on the Proposed Donation and Surrogacy Guidelines: further changes since ACART’s 2017 consultation.
Attached below are the submissions ACART received. Several submitters used the platform Citizen Space to communicate their views, and some submitted in other forms which have been made into PDFs.
Where individuals have asked that their personal details or submission not be made publicly available, this has been withheld.
From July – September 2018 ACART consulted the public to canvas opinion on the stage one consultation document Posthumous Reproduction: A review of the current Guidelines for the Storage, Use, and Disposal of Sperm from a Deceased Man to take into account gametes and embryos. Submissions closed on 13 September and were extended to allow for late submissions. Written submissions were made by sixty eight individuals or groups. ACART spoke to three individuals who wished to give their submission verbally, and three meetings were held with New Zealand fertility clinics.
Attached below are the submissions ACART received. Most submitters used the platform Citizen Space to communicate their views, and some submitted in other forms which have been made into PDFs.
Where individuals have asked that their personal details or submission not be made publicly available, this has been withheld.
In 2017 ACART consulted the public on its proposed review of the guidelines for family gamete donation, embryo donation, the use of donated eggs with donated sperm, and surrogacy. Submissions closed on 13 November 2017. Written submissions were made by twenty three individuals or groups. Members of the public attended three public meetings and the minutes of these are presented. Six other meetings were held with clinics and other interested parties and the minutes of those meetings are also presented here.
Submissions received
Meeting minutes
ACART is now considering the submissions and preparing its advice to the Minister of Health.
Please note submissions 5, 9, 17 and 19 have been withheld at the request of the submitters.
Please note meeting notes 5, 6, 7, 10, 18 and 19 have been withheld at the request of the submitters.
