Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Proposed fertility regulations may allow frozen eggs

Updated at 4:25 pm on 24 July 2008

Women made infertile by cancer may be able to use eggs they have frozen before receiving treatment under proposed fertility regulations.

The discussion paper also proposes allowing women to screen their embryos so umbilical cord stem cells can be used by close family members with non-genetic diseases.

At present, stem cells from a baby can be used only by its brothers and sisters, and only if they have a genetic condition.

The advisory committee on reproductive technology says people who deem freezing embryos unacceptable for religious reasons would benefit from being able to preserve their eggs.

Submissions on the proposed changes will close on 5 September.

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