Ethical Reflections on Artificial Reproduction Policies in Hong Kong

Abstract

Artificial reproduction, or “Scientifically Assisted Human Reproduction”, as the Hong Kong government prefers to call it, has been practised in Hong Kong for some time. Artificial insemination was first introduced in 1981, in-vitro fertilisation in 1985, and gamete intra-fallopian transfer in 1986.¹ All along, however, the Hong Kong government has had no regulation of these practices. Foreseeing the emergence of complicated social and legal problems that will come with these practices, in November 1987 the Secretary for Health and Welfare appointed a Committee on Scientifically Assisted Human Reproduction to look into the issues involved. An Interim Report was presented by the Committee in July 1989 for public consultation, which evoked some responses and public discussion. Quite a number of scholars and social workers objected to some of the recommendations therein.2 In May 1992, however, the Committee presented its Final Report to the Secretary of Health and Welfare, affirming all the recommendations made in the Interim Report, with no replies to the public objections. Once again, the Secretary for Health and Welfare conducted a public consultation in March 1993, though in a very low-key manner. More objections were voiced by scholars and concerned citizen groups,3 and the government has remained silent since then. The public has not been not told when the government will start the legislative process to incorporate the Final Report’s recommendations into law. When that moment comes, intense debate in the Legislative Council is expected. This paper is intended to facilitate informed public debate on the issues involved.