MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

7.3.2005

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Martine Roure
on behalf of the PSE Group
on the planned egg cell trade

B6‑0203/2005

European Parliament resolution on the planned egg cell trade

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Articles 2 and 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

–  having regard to Directive 2004/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells,

–  having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2003 concerning the prevention and control of trafficking in human organs and tissues,

–  having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

1.  Recalls that the human body should not be a source of financial gain and that particular attention should be paid to vulnerable individuals at risk of becoming victims of trafficking, particularly women;

2.  Recalls that under Directive 2004/23/EC donations of human tissue and cells, including egg cells, must be voluntary and unpaid and procurement must be carried out on a non-profit basis;

3.  Considers that the illegal trade in egg cells is a form of exploitation of women and their bodies;

4.  Considers that the financial pressure on women in extreme poverty jeopardises public health and the protection of fundamental rights;

5.  Stresses that any woman forced to sell part of her body, including reproductive cells, becomes prey to organised crime networks that traffic in people and organs;

6.  Wishes to see egg cell donation, like organ donation as a whole, strictly regulated in order to protect both donors and recipients and to tackle all forms of human exploitation;

7.  Wishes to see the fight against trafficking in organs and reproductive cells placed within the wider context of tackling extreme poverty;

8.  Calls on the Commission to assess national legislation on egg cell donation and the compensation system for the donation of organs and reproductive cells;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Presidency of the European Union, the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.