New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to present the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill (ART) in Parliament today on the second day of the winter session. The ART bill intends to regulate the assisted reproductive technology clinics and banks, prevent misuse and ensure safe and ethical ART-related services.
The bill was first tabled in September 2020 and was referred to the Standing Committee on the Health and Family Welfare department. The report for the same was then submitted in March 2021. Initially, the bill was supposed to be presented on the first day of the winter session, that is November 29, but it was later scheduled for the second day as the Parliament was adjourned after protests from the opposition.
What is the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill?
The ART bill intends to regulate and supervise the assisted reproductive technology clinics and the assisted reproductive technology banks, prevention of misuse, safe and ethical practice of assisted reproductive technology services, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Under the provisions of this bill, a National Board will be constituted to advise the Central Government on policy matters relating to assisted reproductive technology.
There is a provision of constituting a State board to follow the policies and plans laid by the National Board for clinics and banks in the State.
It also mandates the registration of fertility clinics and banks by a National Registry.
The clinics and banks registered under the provisions of this bill shall provide counselling and services regarding assisted reproductive technology ensuring that the people are aware of their rights under the law. The services can be provided to a woman of legal marriage age below 50 years and that of a man below 55 years of age.
No services should be provided without consent and the consent of the couple can be withdrawn before the transfer of embryos. The law also mandates the banks and clinics to maintain a record of the used and unused oocytes or sperms or embryos.
The law prohibits the pre-natal sex determination under the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 among other provisions.