For more than 35 years, there has been broad international agreement that no scientist can experiment on an embryo that is more than 14 days old. This red line was established as scientific guidance in the United States in 1979, and it was incorporated into British law after the 1984 Warnock inquiry into in vitro fertilization. Other nations, including Australia, Sweden and China, have since adopted the same limit, either in law or through scientific regulation.
Tag: Australia
Debate About Fertility Treatment Ethics as South African Company Flies Women to Australia to Donate Eggs
A South African company has sparked renewed debate about the ethics of some fertility treatments. The company recruits young women to donate their eggs and is heavily promoting itself in Australia.
Worried About Low Sperm Count? Here’s What to Do Next
Infertility is on the rise in Australia with one in six Australian couples currently experiencing challenges with falling pregnant. Of the causes of infertility, reduced sperm count (and/or quality) accounts for around one third of cases. One of the questions, then, commonly asked of a GP in relation to difficulties with conceiving is what to do about a low sperm count?
First Global Tool Developed to Predict and Treat Menopause
Menopause is not the same for every woman although more than half of the Earth’s population will experience menopause if they live long enough. Professor Susan Davis and colleagues from the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University in Australia have developed the first simple tool that can predict the onset of menopause and recommend treatment for symptoms based on the person, the country they live in, and the availability of treatments locally.
Avoid Synthetic Testosterone for Replacement Therapy: Expert
Natural testosterone should be used in preference to synthetic androgens when hormone replacement is required, according to one of Australia’s leading endocrinologists.
Scientists Hail Male Contraception Breakthrough
Researchers in Australia believe they may be on the verge of developing a viable male contraceptive that does not adversely affect the long-term health of sperm or an individual’s sex drive.
Fertility Clinic Virtus Seeks Expansion in Asia, Deals After IPO
Virtus Health Pty is planning an Asia-Pacific and Middle East expansion as well as seeking acquisitions after an initial public offering said to have raised A$338 million ($329 million), Australia’s largest share sale this year.