This section contains a list of past consultations listed by year order.


2023

Research involving Human Gametes and Embryos

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.

2022

Proposed Changes to the Guidelines for Extending the Storage period of Gametes and Embryos

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.


2021

Proposal that the HART Order should explicitly state that the use of cryopreserved testicular tissue is an established procedure

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.


2020

Proposed Guidelines for the Posthumous Use of Gametes, Reproductive Tissue and Stored Embryos consultation

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.

First consultation

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. 

Second consultation

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.


2019

Proposed Donation and Surrogacy Guidelines consultation

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.


2018

Posthumous Reproduction consultation

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. 


2017

Proposed Donation Guidelines: for family gamete donation, embryo donation, use of donated eggs with donated sperm and surrogacy: consultation document

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.


2016

The Use of Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue to Restore Ovarian Function: Proposed advice to the Minister of Health

Submissions received from ACART's consultation (July 2016)

Meeting notes


2015

Informed Consent and Assisted Reproductive Technology: Proposed advice to the Minister of Health: Consultation document

Submissions received from ACART's consultation (March 2016)

Meeting notes


2014

Import and Export of Gametes and Embryos: Proposed advice to the Minister of Health

Submissions received from ACART's consultation (March 2014)

Meeting notes


2013

Import and Export of Gametes and Embryos: Background paper for stakeholder discussion

Submissions received from ACART's consultation (May-June 2013)

Please note submissions 5, 9, 17 and 19 have been withheld at the request of the submitters.

Meeting notes (May-June 2013)

Please note meeting notes 5, 6, 7, 10, 18 and 19 have been withheld at the request of the submitters.


2012

Proposed Amendments to Guidelines on Surrogacy Arrangements involving Providers of Fertility Services and Guidelines on Donation of Eggs or Sperm between Certain Family Members

Submissions received from ACART's consultation

Meeting notes


2011

Proposed Guidelines on Extending the Storage Period of Gametes and Embryos: Consultation document


2009

Consultation on the Use of In Vitro Maturation in Fertility Treatment: Discussion document

Draft Guidelines on the Use of Donated Eggs in Conjunction with Donated Sperm: Consultation document


2008

Consultation on the Use of Frozen Eggs in Fertility Treatment: Discussion document

Consultation on Draft Guidelines for the Use of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis with Human Leukocyte Antigen Testing


2007

Advice on Aspects of Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Consultation Paper on Policy Issues

Use of Gametes and Embryos in Human Reproductive Research – Determining Policy for New Zealand

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