What is the regulatory framework governing stem cell research in Canada?
Much of the Canadian regulatory framework concerns research involving human embryos. For a complete overview of the framework governing stem cell research in Canada, one must take into account several different statutes and guidelines. • The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) authorizes research on stem cells within a specified framework. The Act applies to the derivation of stem cells from human embryos, but does not apply to research using human embryonic stem cell lines that have already been created. It prohibits the creation of embryos for research purposes (art. 5(b)), so researchers may only use embryos created as part of assisted reproduction procedures that are no longer needed to that end. In this case, donors must consent to the use of their unused embryos in research. An agency known as the Assisted Human Reproduction Agency of Canada is created and mandated by the Act to regulate activities involving the use of embryos in reproduction and research. • The Canadian Insti
