Many people are asking, “What regulation should there be on infertility treatments?” The debate is an ongoing one. It’s important to understand that the ART market is a very competitive one, and it can become unsustainable if there’s no regulation. Luckily, there are many regulations on fertility technologies, including the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, and physician board certification. These are all important, but there is not enough to ensure that these methods are safe.
Treating infertility is not easy
In Canada, a national regulatory body is necessary to ensure that standards are met for a safe and ethical treatment. While this is still a long way off, it would have provided an ongoing focal point for public input. It would have also set a standard for public information disclosure, preventing fraudulent practices and protecting patients’ rights.
A new regulatory body called the Infertility Control Authority should be formed
The current legislation should do much to regulate the industry. While it’s not mandatory, many states have regulations on reproductive technology. In the U.S., assisted reproduction (ART) accounted for approximately 1% of all births, which makes it one of the most regulated medical practices. The CDC’s oversight is minimal, but it’s an important first step. Further, the report recommends setting up a new regulatory body, called the Infertility Regulatory Authority, to make sure that doctors follow quality standards.
There is a legal immunity for practicing ethically questionable physicians
Currently, there is little regulation on infertility technologies in Canada. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that only 20% of ART programs followed these guidelines. In addition, the “Octomom” case demonstrated that some doctors have legal immunity for ethically questionable practices. Furthermore, multiple pregnancies in the U.S. are common, and this can lead to astronomical healthcare costs for both the mother and child. The problem has triggered a number of European countries to limit the number of embryos transferred per reproductive cycle.
There are concerns about the safety of reproductive technology
While some technologies are safer than others, there are some risks. It’s important that these concerns be considered when making decisions about the use of reproductive technologies. However, despite the widespread debate, most Canadians do not want to live in a society where young women can be forced to take risky health choices. A national regulatory body would be an essential step in ensuring that ethical standards are met.
Conclusion
Bill C-13 summarized the findings of the recent meeting regarding infertility treatments. The report, authored by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), outlines the issues and recommendations raised at the meeting. It discusses changes to infertility technology regulation and the role of medical boards in the field. ART is a highly regulated field in Canada, but other countries have much stricter laws and regulations.
