UKZN Anniversary Symposium on the Medico-Legal and Ethical Implications of Human Tissue Use

Abstract

The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted a Symposium on Medico-Legal and Ethical Implications of Human Tissue Use, which coincided with recent discussions on proposed amendments to Chapter 8 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003. The Symposium made a number of recommendations regarding: (i) how to overcome the shortage of donations of human tissue; (ii) the need to update the current policy and regulations regarding the use of human tissue; (iii) whether a human tissue co-ordinating body should be established; (iv) the need for national guidelines for the use of human tissue in teaching and research; and (v) how legacy collections involving human tissue should be dealt with.