Public Communications
March 26, 2026
Addressing the Regulatory Gap in Sperm Donation Limits in Canada
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society recognizes growing concern regarding the absence of clear regulatory limits on the number of times a sperm donor may donate in Canada. Recent developments have underscored the real-world implications of this gap, reinforcing the need for a more structured approach.
At present, while aspects of donor screening and safety are governed under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, there is no nationally enforced limit on the number of donations or resulting families from a single donor. This creates the potential for an increasing number of genetically related individuals, often without their knowledge, which raises important medical, ethical, and psychosocial considerations.
CFAS believes this case highlights a broader systemic issue that warrants timely attention. With each passing year, and in the absence of clear limits or tracking mechanisms, the number of donor-conceived individuals connected to a single donor will continue to grow—making future management more complex for patients, families, and the healthcare system.
The Society supports consideration of a regulatory framework that would establish appropriate limits on sperm donation, informed by clinical evidence, best practices, and stakeholder input. This could include mechanisms for improved tracking and reporting, as well as coordination across jurisdictions.
CFAS remains committed to working collaboratively with government and partners to help inform a balanced, evidence-based approach that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of donor-conceived individuals and their families.
February 28, 2026
CFAS Endorsement of the NCC Reproductive Health & Infertility (RHI) Subspecialty Certification
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) is pleased to share an important professional development opportunity for nursing members within our community.
Through the development of the CFAS–ASRM Fertility Nursing Competency Framework, we undertook a comprehensive competency mapping initiative to support consistent, high-quality nursing practice in assisted reproduction across Canada and the United States. This work identified key opportunities to further strengthen specialized reproductive health nursing competencies—one important domain being Knowledge within the Core Competency of Safe and Effective Nursing Care.
In response, CFAS is proud to formally endorse the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Reproductive Health & Infertility (RHI) Subspecialty Certification. This competency-based certification examination is designed to validate specialized knowledge and clinical application in reproductive health and infertility nursing.
The NCC RHI certification encompasses a broad and rigorous body of knowledge, including:
- General assessment, reproductive anatomy and physiology;
- Pathophysiology, evaluation and diagnosis of reproductive disorders;
- Non-assisted reproductive technologies treatment and complication;
- Assisted reproductive technologies treatment and complications; and
- Reproductive health and treatment complications.
Achieving this certification enables participants to:
- Strengthen and validate clinical competency in reproductive health nursing
- Enhance confidence in managing complex patient care scenarios
- Demonstrate attainment of a recognized professional standard endorsed by both CFAS and ASRM
- Contribute to advancing excellence and consistency in fertility nursing practice across North America
A range of preparatory resources and educational supports are available to assist candidates in preparing for the examination. We strongly encourage all eligible nursing members to consider pursuing both the preparatory education and the NCC RHI certification examination as an important step in advancing professional practice and addressing previously identified educational needs within our field.
More Information about the Program
May 22, 2025
In Response to the Recent Attack on a Fertility Clinic in the US
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society is devastated by the tragic explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California—an unspeakable act of violence that has shaken the reproductive health care community.
Fertility clinics are places of compassion, science, and hope—spaces where individuals and families pursue deeply personal dreams of creating life. An attack on such a space is not only an assault on those directly harmed, but also on the values of care, dignity, and reproductive rights and family-building.
On behalf of our members across Canada, CFAS extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the clinic staff, and all those affected by this horrific event. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all who work in and seek care from reproductive health providers.
Violence has no place in health care. We echo the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in urging “law enforcement at every level to intensify their efforts to safeguard medical professionals and healthcare settings” and calling on “elected officials from across the political spectrum to unequivocally condemn this act of violence—and to reject any rhetoric or actions that embolden hostility against medical professionals providing lawful, ethical care.”
In this time of mourning, CFAS remains unwavering in its mission to support reproductive professionals and protect the rights of patients. We will continue to advocate for safe, inclusive, and accessible fertility care for all.
Dr. Paul Chang, CFAS President on behalf of the CFAS Board
CFAS Endorsement of the COVID-19 and Human Reproduction Joint Statement: ASRM/ESHRE/IFFS - 2020
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) is pleased to endorse the Joint Statement on Assisted Reproduction and COVID-19 issued by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS).
The Joint Statement raises several important points. Specifically, that reproduction is an essential human right that exists regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin, that the initial postponement of all but most urgent fertility care in the early days of the pandemic was necessary, and that the selective resumption of this important healthcare is now warranted.
View the Statement
Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society Endorses C David Naylor Report on Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research - May 2017
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS), the voice of researchers in the field of reproductive medicine in Canada, strongly supports the findings of Canada’s Fundamental Science Review released by C David Naylor in April 2017. The Report is a much-needed declaration of the importance of fundamental research in Canada given the current flat-lining of research funds and widespread loss of confidence in the Canadian scientific funding mechanism. The CFAS agrees that the recommendations laid out in the report are vital for the future of Canada’s place in global health care.
Developments at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada’s principal source of funds for medically-related science research, have increasingly placed an overwhelming focus on commercialization, with far too little emphasis on the value of fundamental scientific inquiry. However, clinical advances are often dependent on achievements in basic research and there is a long history of fundamental research leading to critical advances in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction. One of many examples is the culture media used in today’s clinical IVF treatments that was developed as a result of many years of empirical basic research performed using oocytes and embryos from animal models. The CFAS thus strongly agrees with Dr Naylor that, “neglecting basic science owing to impatience or uncertainty contradicts much of the historical evidence.”
Canada is at the forefront of fundamental research in the area of reproductive medicine, with world leading laboratories publishing cutting-edge research in the areas of gametogenesis, fertilisation, and embryo development and differentiation, to name but a few. By following through on the recommendations of the Naylor Report, we will have the opportunity to maintain our leadership in this field of science and medicine. The CFAS membership comprises both basic scientists and clinicians focused on reproductive biology. AS such, we have a long track-record of fostering collaboration at scientists and clinicians, thus maximising the likelihood of frontline discoveries being translated into clinical progress. CFAS does not position itself to ‘compete’ with other fields of research, but rather wholeheartedly supports an increase in basic science funding across all biomedical disciplines.
CFAS strongly endorses the sentiment of the Naylor Report finding that investigator-led operating grants be given the highest priority, as important discoveries arise when talented scientists are trusted to form and test their hypotheses. Moreover, CFAS welcomes the observation that further aid for early career researchers is essential. Canada has a rich vein of talented young scientists with focus on basic and applied reproduction, and whose ability to flourish is currently under threat at the hands of low grant success rates. By re-investing in fundamental research, we mitigate the risk of losing some of the smartest minds in our field.
We conclude that the report is well considered, timely, and has the potential to leave a lasting positive impact of Canadian scientific research. This, in turn, will have far-reaching impact upon health care and the broader economy. Canada must bring investments in front-line research back in line with other G7 countries so that it can be competitive and at the forefront of science and innovation. We applaud Minister Duncan for launching this enquiry, and now encourage the Federal Government to adopt the findings of the Naylor Report. The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society would be honoured to participate in any way that might aid its implementation.
Accreditation of Assisted Human Reproduction Centres - 2012
The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) endorses the accreditation of organizations engaged in providing assisted human reproduction services. Accreditation sets standards of excellence and promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement. Achieving excellence through continuous quality improvement is central to the goals and philosophy of the Society. Through accreditation, organizations can establish a standard of care so that no matter where patients are treated within Canada, they can be assured of receiving safe, high quality reproductive care. Accreditation, therefore, is an essential element of ensuring a standard excellence within the industry and in enabling public trust in assisted reproductive technologies.