On 5-4-2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulations, 2023. The provisions came into force on 5-4-2023.
Key Points:
Section 24 of Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 focuses on Duties of assisted reproductive technology clinics using human gametes and embryos.
1. Further, Section 24(a) of the Act says that the clinics will retrieve oocytes in such manner as may be specified by regulations. These Regulations lays down the manner of retrieving the oocytes:
• The clinics will retrieve oocytes from the donor after obtaining consent from the doctor.
• Not more than 7 oocytes should be retrieved from the donor during one cycle, provided that all formed follicles are also retrieved.
• It is the duty of the clinics to ensure the controlled ovarian stimulation of woman in order to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation.
2. Section 24 (b) of the Act says that not more than three oocytes or embryos may be placed in the uterus of a woman during the treatment cycle in such manner as may be specified by regulations. This Regulation further lays down the manner of placing the embryos in the uterus of a woman:
• Gynecologists will transfer 1-2 embryos in the uterus of a woman during a treatment cycle.
• Exception where 3 embryos can be transferred: advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriages and recurrent implantation failure.
