Chinese Health Ministry bans test-tube technology for single women
(Assisted Reproductive Technology-December 1, 2003)

China's Health Ministry has barred that nation's doctors from helping single women get pregnant via in vitro fertilization, but the decision is subject to final review by China's Cabinet and possibly the entire legislature.

Under new revisions to ministry regulations, doctors are forbidden to help single women get pregnant through assisted reproductive technology such as embryo transfer and artificial insemination, the state-controlled newspaper China Daily reported on November 12, 2003.

The new rules, which took effect in October 2003, are designed to "prevent inappropriate use of the technology by single women and unqualified couples, such as those with acute infectious diseases," China Daily reported. It quoted Qi Li, a Health Ministry official.

Infertile couples must present identity cards, marriage certificates, and birth permits to show they are eligible, China Daily said.

However, a provincial regulation in the northeastern province of Jilin in 2002 gave single women the right to get pregnant via assisted reproductive technology. Local legislators approved that law, which now contradicts the Health Ministry's new regulation.

The State Council, China's Cabinet, will determine which of the two rules will prevail. The Cabinet's decision is subject to final approval by the country's nominal legislature, the National People's Congress. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.

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