Directives of the Cantonal Physician on Heterogenus artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization for physicians, hospitals, and clinics of the canton of Neuchatel, 16 October 1986
Annual Review of Population Law 14: 60-63
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0364-3417 PMID: 12346772 Document Number: 383991
This document reprints Neuchatel, Switzerland's 1986 Directives for the Cantonal Physician on heterogeneous, artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization. In this case, "heterogeneous" applies to cases when the sperm is donated by a man other than the woman's husband (legally married spouse or habitual sexual partner). The Directives note that the sole goal of such insemination is to allow a female of a couple to procreate when all other ethical and moral solutions have failed. Each case requires the written consent of the woman and her husband. Sperm donors should not receive financial payment, and anonymity is protected for all parties involved. Donors must undergo tests and examinations to safeguard against transmission of infectious and hereditary diseases. In the case of in vitro fertilization, the directives note that the sole goal is the creation of an embryo for birth. Therefore, the embryo should be transferred to the uterus as soon as possible. In vitro fertilization with a sperm donor is forbidden, as is the transfer of an embryo to a female other than the ovum's originator. Both the woman and her husband must give written consent, and the anonymity of all persons undergoing in vitro fertilization is to be protected. Genetic manipulation of the embryo is forbidden, as is any use of the embryo for any scientific purpose.