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The NHMRC Embryo Research Licensing Committee (ERLC) administers the human embryo research regulatory framework established by the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act) and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 (PHCR Act).
These Acts establish a regulatory framework to prohibit certain practices, such as human cloning, and regulate the uses of excess assisted reproductive technology (ART) embryos, the creation or uses of other human embryos created through processes other than fertilisation and the practice of permitted mitochondrial donation techniques in Australia. There are strong penalties for non-compliance with the legislation.
Functions
The NHMRC Licensing Committee has prescribed functions under the national regulatory framework established by the RIHE Act and the PHCR Act, to:
- assess and determine applications for general and mitochondrial donation licences to conduct research involving human embryos
- issue (subject to conditions) or not issue such licences
- monitor licensed activities to ensure compliance with the legislation and take enforcement action as necessary
- maintain an accessible database containing information about licences issued
- report to the Parliament of Australia on the functions of ERLC, the operation of the RIHE Act and the licences issued under this Act
- perform such other functions as are conferred on it by the RIHE Act or any other law.
Membership
The expertise of each ERLC member is prescribed in the RIHE Act. The committee includes individuals with expertise in research ethics, research, assisted reproductive technology, law, consumer health issues, the regulation of assisted reproductive technology, and embryology. It also includes a cross-member with the Australian Health Ethics Committee.