Glossary

Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR)

Any activity undertaken for the purpose of facilitating human reproduction. Examples of AHR include In Vitro Fertilization, Donor Insemination and Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

Blastocyst

A preimplantation embryo of 30-150 cells. The blastocyst consists of a sphere made up of an outer layer of cells (the trophectoderm), a fluid-filled cavity (the blastocoel), and a cluster of cells on the interior (the inner cell mass, from where stem cells may be derived). The size of the blastocyst is approximately 0.15 mm.

Chimera

(for purposes of this legislation) A human embryo consisting of cells from more than one genetically distinct human embryo, foetus, human being, or non-human life form.

Cloning

The intentional creation of one or more genetically identical embryos for either reproductive or therapeutic purposes.

"Reproductive cloning"

Refers to the cloning of an embryo for transplantation into a uterus with the intention of producing offspring genetically identical to the nuclear donor.

"Therapeutic cloning"

Refers to the cloning of an embryo for the purpose of deriving stem cells for therapeutic uses.

Consanguinity

Being closely genetically related. Generally defines first-degree blood relatives.

Donor

(for purposes of this legislation) A man or woman who donates their gametes or embryos for reproductive or research purposes.

Donor Insemination (DI)

The process of inseminating a woman with sperm from an anonymous donor for the purpose of producing a pregnancy.

Ectogenesis

Developing an embryo outside the body of a woman by artificial means.

Embryo

(for purposes of this legislation) Refers to a human organism during the first 56 days of its development following fertilization or creation, excluding any time in which its development has been suspended, and includes any cell derived from an embryo and used for the purpose of creating a human being.

Embryology

The study of the development of an organism from fertilization of the egg to the foetal stage.

Embryo Splitting

A cloning technique whereby an early stage embryo is split into two or more genetically identical embryos.

Foetus

(for purposes of this legislation) In humans, this is an organism during the period of its development beginning on the fifty-seventh day following fertilization or creation and ending at birth.

Gamete

The mature male or female reproductive cell (sperm or ovum). Also referred to as a germ cell.

Gene Therapy

The process of inserting new genetic material into an organism for the purpose of treating or controlling a genetic disease. The goal of the therapy is to affect the person being treated and not the germ-line cells so no alterations can be passed on to future children. Gene therapy is also sometimes referred to as somatic cell therapy.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Genome

The complete DNA sequence for a given organism.

Genomics

The systematic study of the structure of the genome of an organism, including mapping and sequencing.

Germ (sex) cell

A sperm or egg cell, and their precursors. Each mature germ cell is haploid in that it has a single set of 23 chromosomes, containing half the usual amount of DNA. All other body cells are called somatic cells and are diploid, containing 46 chromosomes.

Germ-line Alteration

The modification of a human genome such that the modification is passed on to descendants. Concern has been raised that abuse of such modifications could lead to the creation of "designer babies".

Human Reproductive Material

(for purposes of this legislation) This refers to sperm, eggs, other human cells, or human genes.

Hybrid

(for purposes of this legislation) (a) A human ovum that has been fertilized by a sperm from an animal or vise versa; (b) a human ovum into which has been placed the nucleus of a cell of a non-human life form or vise vera; or c) a human or animal ovum which otherwise contains haploid sets of chromosomes from a human and a non-human life form.

In vitro embryo

An embryo that is maintained outside a woman's body.

In vitro Fertilization (IVF)

An AHR technique in which fertilization is accomplished outside the body of a woman.

In vivo embryo

An embryo that is within the body of a woman (e.g. implanted in the uterus).

Informed Consent

Written consent which has been given after information has been received and understood by a person.

Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

An IVF treatment where a single sperm is injected into an egg using a microscopic needle. This treatment is used where the male partner has severely impaired or few sperm.

Ovarian Tissue

The combination of somatic and female germ cells which constitute the ovaries.

Ovum

The female sex or germ cell. Ova is the plural. Other terms are egg(s), oocyte(s).

Supernumerary embryo

An embryo that was destined for, but not used in, reproduction. In IVF treatment, there are usually more embryos produced than are transferred to a woman.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Techniques by which in vitro embryos are tested for specific genetic disorders (e.g. cystic fibrosis) or other characteristics such as sex before being transplanted to the uterus.

Sex Selection

Methods used to predetermine or diagnose the sex of an embryo for the purpose of selecting only those embryos of a particular sex for transplanting to the uterus of a woman.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections that have been transmitted via sexual activity. Examples of STIs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV/AIDS. Some STIs can cause infertility.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A cloning technique whereby a nucleus from a somatic (non-germ) cell is transferred into an egg from which the nucleus has been removed.

Sperm

The male sex or germ cell.

Stem Cells

A cell with the capacity to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cell types. Stem cells can be derived from embryonic, foetal, and adult sources.

Surrogacy

This term refers to the activities undertaken where a woman agrees to carry a child for another woman with the intention of surrendering the child at birth. There are two types of surrogacy: genetic (the surrogate is genetically related to the child) and gestational (the surrogate carries the foetus but is not genetically related to it). In terms of surrogacy arrangements, there are altruistic (no payment) and commercial (payment) arrangements.

Testicular Tissue

The combination of somatic and male germ cells which constitute the testes.