Uganda Parliament Debates Bill for Surrogacy Regulation
Uganda’s parliament has recently introduced a bill designed to strengthen regulations concerning surrogacy, aiming to limit its use to individuals facing infertility or health challenges that impede natural reproduction.
Proposed by Ugandan MP Sarah Opendi, the bill also seeks to set a minimum age requirement of 18 for surrogates, accompanied by severe penalties for medical practitioners found in violation of these stipulations.
According to the bill, medical professionals could face imprisonment for up to five years if found guilty of disregarding the outlined regulations. Additionally, the unauthorized use of their gametes or embryos, or those not approved by their clients, could lead to life imprisonment.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that donors undergo screening to ensure they are free of genetic diseases, highlighting its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all parties involved.
The Human-Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill’s proposed legislation goes beyond surrogacy regulations, aiming to establish comprehensive guidelines for various aspects of human-assisted reproduction. This encompasses the licensing and regulation of fertility centers and the oversight of sperm, oocyte, and embryo donation and storage.
Significantly, the bill also strives to introduce safeguards for children born through assisted reproduction methods, representing a notable stride towards ensuring their rights and welfare.
In her remarks on the bill, MP Sarah Opendi accentuated Uganda’s potential to emerge as a global leader in legislating assisted reproduction practices. This underscores the nation’s commitment to implementing robust regulatory frameworks.
If the bill receives approval, it promises to position Uganda as a trailblazer in addressing the complexities surrounding assisted reproduction. This could set a precedent for other nations, encouraging them to develop similar measures to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved in assisted reproduction practices.
