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C-13: Cloning and Bio-Ethics |
Canada Tries Again: Bill C-56 and Bill C-13
The government’s latest attempts to legislate AHR procedures and
research
In May 2001, Health Minister Allan Rock presented the House of Common’s Standing Committee
on Health with draft legislation on assisted human reproduction. “We want to make sure
that reproductive technologies, which offer some women a better chance of having a child,
are safe and that Canadians are able to make informed decisions about them," Minister
Rock stated. The draft legislation had two overriding objectives:
- To ensure the health and safety of Canadians using assisted reproduction techniques
- To regulate research involving human reproductive material
The Minister asked the committee to report on the legislation by January 2002. On May
9, 2002, Bill C-56, an Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction, received first reading
in the House of Commons. However, the bill died on the order paper after Parliament
was prorogued (WHAT DOES THIS WORD MEAN?). In October 2002, the bill was reintroduced
as Bill C-13. The Bill received first and second reading, and was then referred to Committee.
The “God Squad” Opposes Bill C-13
Led by Dr. Paul Szabo, a group of backbench Liberals are actively opposing passage
of Bill C-13. Dubbed the “God Squad,” their legislation objections include the fact
that it permits therapeutic cloning. Fears that the bill might not pass initially forced
the government to withdraw it from the fall House schedule. It finally passed third
reading in late October 2003, after the government struck a deal with the NDP to vote
for the legislation. Bill C-13 is currently before the Senate.
House of Commons Vote on Bill C-13, 3rd Reading, by Political Party
| Political Party |
Yes Votes |
No Votes |
| Liberal |
133 |
16 |
| Canadian Alliance |
0 |
55 |
| New Democrat Party |
12 |
0 |
| Progressive Conservative |
4 |
5 |
| Bloq Québécois |
0 |
31 |
| Independant |
1 |
2 |
Total Number of Votes: 258
MP’s Not Voting: 44
Total Votes For: 149
Total Votes Against: 109
(Source: Parliament of Canada Website)
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