OTTAWA, April 10, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Uncertainty and confusion continue over the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, Bill C-13.
Allotted time for the Rob Merrifield Motion to send C-13 back to committee over the issue of donor anonymity was completed today in the House of Commons. Merrifield’s motion reads that “Bill C-13, An Act respecting assisted human reproduction, be not now read a third time but referred back to the Standing Committee on Health for the purpose of reconsidering Clause 18 with the view to allow children born through donor eggs or sperm to know the identity of their biological parents.” The main motion, “to read a third time and do pass” Bill C-13, was still not dealt with. A government member announced an all-party agreement to wait until April 29 to vote on the Merrifield motion since the House will recess tomorrow for two weeks.
It appears, therefore, that final vote on C-13 and possibly more debate, will not take place until after the Merrifield Motion vote.