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{
    "id": 543054,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/543054/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 113,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Odhiambo-Mabona",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 376,
        "legal_name": "Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona",
        "slug": "millie-odhiambo-mabona"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I just want to give a brief overview of the Bill. Because I know we have a heavy legislative agenda, let me not get drunk with my own brew. I want to just give an overview of what the Bill has. Part I is preliminary, which in most Bills is basically about definitions. Part II provides for the establishment, powers and functions of the In-Vitro Fertilisation Authority. This is the authority that will be setting standards that will deal with regulations. Basically, it will be the main body that will deal with issues of in-vitro fertilisation. Part III talks of prohibited activities, including use of embryos, consent of parties, posthumous use without consent and in-vitro fertilisation for procreation purposes. This is an attempt to deal with some of the issues of concern to the church – that we will not use in-vitro fertilisation for reasons other than procreation. I know it creates--- Researchers would want a little more space to do a bit more research but because, as a country, we are at a point where we are not very willing to embrace research, we need to concentrate on the issue of in-vitro human fertilisation for procreation purposes. I have also indicated circumstances for undertaking in-vitro human fertilisation. You notice in the Bill that the circumstances are limited. Hon. Members have raised some concerns to me over the limitation. During the Committee Stage, after we agree with the Committee on Health, we will propose exhaustive amendments. The Bill also talks about the use of an embryo in a woman, gametes obtained from a minor, authority to use licence and use of the gametes. In dealing with the issue of minors, we want to ensure that we do not violet the rights of children. A child who by law is not allowed to have children should not be used as a donor. Part IV provides for the rights of parents, donors and children. Even though I know that I am wading into the area of science, my primary concern is actually the legal aspect. This has actually given me a lot of interest. I was speaking to one of the young lady interns when I was the director at the Cradle, who has been inspired by this initiative. The father, Dr. Noreh, is one of the great experts in this country, in this field. I was speaking to him the other day. The daughter has actually done a PhD degree in this area, but from a medical-legal aspect. I was discussing with her. I am actually considering doing my PhD but not on the medical-legal aspect but the ethical-legal aspects of this area. This is not the first time I am wading into an area that is a bit of legal and scientific. My thesis at the School of Law in the University of Nairobi was on intellectual property rights in plant genetic resources. I have really waded into the area of plant genetic resources before. Now I have moved from plant genetics to human genetic resources; this is really about genetic resources of humans. Part IV talks about a lot of issues, including use of sperm after the death of a man, parties to a marriage, rights to accrue to a child and surrogate motherhood. Even as I move this Bill, I am aware that my ‘sister’ in the Senate has moved a reproductive Bill that also has elements of surrogacy. We are looking at ways of harmonising her Bill with mine, so that if there are components of hers that are stronger on surrogacy, we bring them into this Bill. Part V talks about the issue of access to information while respecting the rights of the parents and the child. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}