China's Ministry of Health has banned trade in human sperm,
eggs, zygotes and embryos and laid down new regulations for
assisted reproductive therapy (ART).
A statement from the ministry said it had appointed a panel of
specialists to examine and deliberate on licence applications to
carry out assisted reproduction operations and open sperm
banks.
"China bans all forms of trading of sperm, eggs, zygotes,
embryos, and will not brook any illegal collection of sperm and
eggs. Violators will be severely punished," said the statement.
The ministry had issued regulations regarding the administration
of assisted reproduction technologies, the establishment of sperm
banks, and procedures for applying for licenses.
"We have set very strict conditions for ART operations or
running a sperm bank and applicants who fail to meet the conditions
will not be approved," said the statement.
The fertility business is expanding fast in China and the move
to restrict access will help standardize industry practices, said
experts.
Eighty-eight organizations have been certified to carry out
assisted-reproduction treatment in China, and 10 organizations have
been approved to establish sperm banks, said the announcement.
A new list of approved ART organizations and sperm banks has
been published on the website run by the Ministry of Health.
Seven of the organizations licensed to carry out
assisted-reproduction treatment are in Beijing, including the No.1
and No.3 hospitals attached to Peking University, the Beijing
Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital and Renmin Hospital attached to Peking University.
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2007)