Law and Public Policy

D01 - Roundtable - Uncertain Science, Law and Policy – Considering Canada’s Approach to Regulating Gene Editing, Genetic Testing and Research with Reproductive Materials

Date: May 30 | Time: 08:45am to 10:15am | Location: Classroom - CL 345 Room ID:15704

Chair/Président/Présidente : Peggy Schmeiser (University of Saskatchewan)

Roundtable - Uncertain Science, Law and Policy – Considering Canada’s approach to regulating gene editing, genetic testing and research with reproductive materials:

Amy Zarzeczny (University of Regina)
Erika Kleiderman (McGill University)
Ubaka Ogbogu (University of Alberta)

Abstract: Regulating fast moving and sometimes uncertain scientific fields such as genetic and stem cell research, including research using human reproductive materials, often presents considerable policy challenges. In Canada, there are layers to how these activities are governed. The federal Assisted Human Reproduction Act and the Tri-Council Policy Statement play central roles in setting parameters around what is legal and ethical. As scientific developments have led to new, potentially promising, avenues of research and clinical practice, questions and tensions have emerged regarding gaps, ambiguities and limitations in the current regulatory framework. Against this backdrop, a series of workshops were held to consider issues with Canadian law and policy regarding gene editing, mitochondrial replacement therapy, research on human embryos and reproductive materials, and preimplantation genetic testing. These multidisciplinary events involved diverse participants including clinicians and bench science researchers, experts in law, policy and ethics, regulators and government representatives, among others. Presenters will provide an overview of the outcomes from these four workshops and will discuss broader points of emerging consensus regarding recommendations for regulation of gene editing, genetic testing and reproductive medicine in Canada. In addition to specific priorities for legal and policy reform that seek to maximize the potential benefits of these technologies while addressing associated concerns and risks, presenters will discuss agenda setting with respect to implementation. Particular attention will be paid to the roles of consultation and engagement, with recognition given to the complexities of framing appropriate policy in areas of scientific and clinical uncertainty.