The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate and supervise Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services in India. It came into force on 25th January 2022, with the aim of ensuring safe, ethical, and responsible practices in ART clinics and banks. The Act addresses issues such as the prevention of misuse, protection of the rights of parties involved, and the welfare of children born through ART procedures.
This Act establishes national and state-level boards, sets standards for clinics and banks, mandates informed consent, and prohibits unethical practices like sex selection and commercial trading of human embryos or gametes. It also outlines offences and penalties to deter violations, ensuring that ART services are provided in a regulated and transparent manner.
The ART Act, 2021, complements existing laws like the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, reinforcing India’s legal framework in the realm of reproductive health and rights.