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Functions of the SA Council on Reproductive Technology

Section 10 of the Reproductive Technology Act (SA) 1988 states that the functions of the Council were:

  • to formulate, and keep under review, a code of ethical practice to govern: -  the use of artificial fertilisation procedures; and
    -  research involving experimentation with human reproductive material;

  • to advise the South Australian Health Commission* on the conditions to be included in licences involving artificial fertilisation procedures;

  • to formulate appropriate conditions for licences authorising research involving experimentation with human reproductive material;

  • to carry out research into the social consequences of reproductive technology;

  • to promote research into the causes of human infertility (and, in doing so, to attempt to ensure that adequate attention is given to research into the causes of both female and male infertility);

  • to advise the Minister on any questions arising out of, or in relation to, reproductive technology;

  • to promote (by the dissemination of information and in other ways) informed public debate on the ethical and social issues that arise from reproductive technology;

  • to collaborate with other bodies carrying out similar functions in Australia.

In 2003 research provisions were removed from the Act and transferred to the NHMRC.

To ensure the SACRT continues to conduct itself in a manner consistent with its prescribed functions, working parties are periodically established to assess and investigate various suggestions and issues that arise.

Currently a number of working parties have existed on which both members of Council and stakeholders are represented.

Resource Working Party

Looks at the provision of, and access to, useful resources on infertility for the general public. This working party is on-going.

Surrogacy Working Party

Was set up  with the following terms of reference:

  • to advise the Council on the question of whether the use of reproductive technology to support altruistic surrogacy arrangements be prohibited or regulated in South Australia
    •
  • to give particular attention to:
  • the welfare of the parties involved and giving paramount consideration to the welfare of the child
  • the legislative context in South Australia or elsewhere.

Memoranda Review Working Party

This working party was established to determine which memoranda or part of memoranda needs to be inserted into the Codes in order that they acquire the force of law.  Those which are not codified will remain as instructions or guidelines for clinical and research practice.

Previous Working Parties

Previous working parties included the Standing Sub-committee on Research and the Welfare of the Child Working Party, whose work is now complete.

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URL: http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/reproductive-technology/functions.asp
Responsibility for content: Research Policy & Ethics Unit
Maintained by: Kathy Williams
Last modified: 5/09/2007 1:25:21 PM

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