Canada

     On 29 March 2004, Canada adopted the Assisted Human Reproduction Act , the country's first  comprehensive law addressing human genetic and reproductive technologies.  The Act's introductory  principles emphasize the need to protect women's health and well-being in the use of reproductive  technologies; stress the importance of free and informed consent as a fundamental precondition to the  use of these technologies; and prohibit discrimination in the delivery of assisted reproductive  procedures on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status or other grounds.  The Act permits  the regulated use of human reproductive and genetic material and human embryos.  However, it specifically prohibits certain activities deemed "ethically unacceptable," including: commercial surrogate motherhood contracts; the purchase of sperm or eggs; and the purchase or sale of embryos. 

     Engaging in any of the activities prohibited by the Act is punishable with a fine of up to $500,000 or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both.  Contravention of any of the Act's other provisions is punishable with a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.