Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021:
The Lok Sabha has passed the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021.
- The bill has excluded live-in couples, single men and the LGBTQ community.
- The Government had been working on the bill to regulate the ART industry since 2008 when it was first drafted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- The bill was first introduced in Lok Sabha in 2020 but the House had referred it to a standing committee.
About the Bill:
National Registry and Registration Authority:
- The bill proposes the establishment of a national registry and registration authority for all clinics and medical professionals serving in the field.
- It will help in maintaining a database of all clinics and medical professionals serving in the field.
- State governments will appoint registration authorities for facilitating the registration process.
- The registration will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years.
Regulate ART Services:
- It seeks to regulate and supervise Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics and ART banks, prevent misuse, adopt safe and ethical practice and so on.
National Board:
- The bill proposes the constitution of a national board.
- The board will set minimum standards of physical infrastructure, laboratory, diagnostic equipment and expert manpower to be employed by clinics and banks.
