The Assisted Human Reproduction Commission was set up in 2000 by the Minister Micheál Martin to look at all aspects of fertility treatment.
Its 20 members have met on average every two months to review the issues. While most of the media has focused on the issue of cloning - the commission has examined virtually every aspect of fertility treatment. In particular it has focused on:
• Storage time and use of sperm;
• Regulation of sperm banks - including the issue of anonymity of donors;
• Storage time and use embryos;
• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis;
• Cloning.
It's thought that it will recommend that a new body be set up to review the effect of new advances in medical technology - like cloning and genetic testing.
It will also call for legislation that will enshrine that fertility treatment is legal in the Republic, and that as in the UK, the principle that the rights of the child be paramount in any ethical or legal dispute - This itself poses the almost philosophical question that can it be in the interests of some potential children not to exist?
The Commission is expected to hand its draft report over to the Minister this summer. It will be a substantial report and will take some time for the Government to digest, let alone begin the task of framing legislation.
NISIG is holding a public seminar on April 17th at Kilmurry Lodge, Dublin Road, Limerick. Its helpline number is 1890 647 444