The Human Reproductive Technology (Amendment) Bill 2015 was gazetted today, which proposes banning advertisements for sex selection services through human reproductive technology.
The Food & Health Bureau said there has been an increase in local press advertisements and leaflets promoting sex selection services available in other countries, which has raised concern in the medical profession.
The sector has asked that such promotional activities be stopped and prohibited by law.
The Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance prohibits using reproductive technology to select the sex of babies, but there is no provision prohibiting advertising the practice.
The amendment bill proposes banning such advertisements in all media, including the Internet. Webpage hosts or operators who knowingly post adverts purporting to promote sex selection services could be held liable.
The proposed penalty on first conviction is a $25,000 fine and six months' imprisonment, while a subsequent conviction will incur a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
The bill will be tabled at the Legislative Council on March 18.
