Frequently Asked Questions for the Section 12 Workshop

Q1: Why was this workshop held?

A1: The purpose of the workshop was twofold: to provide an overview of paragraph 12 (1) (a) of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (the Act), and to gather information on the processes associated with sperm and egg donation in support of the development of the components of the regulatory framework under the Act.

Q2: Who was invited to the workshop?

A2: Invitations for the workshop were sent to members of the assisted human reproduction community who possess knowledge and/or experience relevant to the subject of sperm and egg donations.

Q3: What issues were discussed?

A3: Various issues dealing with the process of sperm and egg donation were discussed at the workshop, including: the frequency and duration of activities for sperm and egg donors, the expenditures that sperm and egg donors may incur, the clinical and administrative tasks involved in the process and the roles and responsibilities of clinic employees.

Q4: How will Health Canada use the comments and information generated by the workshop and what are the next steps?

A4: Health Canada will use the information gathered from the workshop to assist in the development of policy options for regulatory proposals regarding the reimbursement of donor expenditures. Health Canada will be holding additional consultations towards the development of these proposals.

Q5: Do the opinions expressed in the section 12 workshop report reflect the views of Health Canada?

A5: The report is an "as-was-heard" account of the workshop and as such the comments and opinions expressed in the report are those of the workshop participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of Health Canada.

Q6: Will there be other workshops or consultations on the reimbursement of expenditures before the regulations in this area are established?

A6: Health Canada will be undertaking additional public involvement activities as part of the development of regulatory proposals for section 12. Information concerning these activities will be posted on Health Canada's website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/reproduction.

Q7: Why was there no discussion of the expenditures incurred by surrogate mothers? Are they not covered by the legislation?

A7: The focus of the workshop was on the reimbursement of expenditures for egg and sperm donors. Surrogate mothers are covered by the legislation under paragraph 12 (1)(c) of the Act, which addresses reimbursement of expenditures for surrogate mothers and subsection 12 (3), which addresses reimbursement for loss of work-related income for surrogate mothers. Health Canada will be consulting on surrogacy at a later date.