Towards a Patient-Centred Regulation of Gamete Donation in Canada

Abstract

Commercial gamete donation in Canada is prohibited by the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. However, the Act permits gamete recipients to reimburse donors for donation-related expenses. Until recently, the types of expenses that were eligible and the process for reimbursing donors were not specified. In 2016, Health Canada announced its intent to develop regulations that would regulate gamete donor reimbursement; it released the proposed policy in 2017. As a result of consultations with Canadian lawmakers, physicians, and patients, debates surrounding commercial gamete donation are being revisited. Considering the ethical implications of gamete donation payment arrangements, a patient-centred care framework is useful going forward in the regulation of this practice. Patient-centred values of communication, respecting relational autonomy, and respecting patient interests should guide decisions regarding regulation of gamete donation arrangements in Canada.

Keywords: Assisted Human Reproduction Act; Canada; gamete donation; health law; health policy; patient-centred.