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Policy and Guidance

A nationally consistent framework has been developed for the Commonwealth, and States and Territories.

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Information guides

» Information and advice for organisations and individuals proposing to apply for a licence

» NHMRC Embryo Research Licensing Committee Information Kit

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

» Learn more about the FAQs

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Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinical Practice

» Learn more about the Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinical Practice

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Objective Criteria for embryos unsuitable for implantation

On 6 December 2007, the CEO of the NHMRC issued guidelines on when embryos are unsuitable for implantation. The guidelines are only to be used following a couple’s decision that particular embryos will not be used for ART treatment (this is a declaration that the embryos are excess to the reproductive needs of the couple). The guidelines are then used in making decisions on which of these excess embryos may be used for research.

» Download: Objective criteria on embryos that are unsuitable for implantation (PDF, 101kb)

The accompanying contextual information is available for download below:

» Download: Contextual information (PDF, 35kb)

Commonwealth and State Legislation

The Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 were passed by Parliament in December 2002. These Acts establish a strong regulatory framework to prohibit certain unacceptable practices including human cloning, and to regulate uses of excess human embryos created though assisted reproductive technology (ART).

The Australian Parliament passed amendments to the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the Prohibition of Human Cloning Act 2002 in December 2006. The amendments permit the licensing of some practices previously prohibited, such as the use of embryos created specifically for research through somatic cell nuclear transfer.

At the 13 April 2007 COAG meeting, all jurisdictions (except the Northern Territory) restated their commitment to introduce nationally consistent legislation. To date Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT have all passed amending complimentary legislation

» Learn more about Commonwealth and State Legislation

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Related links

The Australian Health Ethics Committee review of the NHMRC Ethical Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive Technology.
» Review of the NHMRC Ethical Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive Technology, 1996
» Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice and research
» The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Report, entitled Human cloning: scientific, ethical and regulatory aspects of human cloning and stem cell research.
» http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/laca/humancloning/contents.htm

Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (Fertility Society of Australia).
» http://www.fsa.au.com/rtac/

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