Storage of frozen embryos in New Zealand
A New Zealand government advisory committee is proposing new guidelines regarding the storage of human embryos and sperm.The current law states that embryos can be stored for a maximum of 10 years, before they have to be destroyed.
The extension of the time period is proposed for people still undergoing IVF treatment after 10 years.
It could also apply to younger cancer patients who are still too young to consider having a family, but who could have their eggs or sperm stored before cancer treatment.
Those affected could apply for an extension of time as the ordinary 10 year period came to an end. This would save their embryos or sperm from being destroyed.
Another option would be to donate their eggs or sperm to another person or for research.
One mother, Tess Labett has welcomed the proposals, after having to destroy her own frozen embryos at the end of the 10-year period.
Read the full story at: stuff.co.nz