ABSTRACT
This chapter examines that the policy guidelines provide the framework within which it is expected many of the personal dilemmas. It discusses some of the macro policy issues impacting on a consideration of embryo donation for reproductive purposes, and provides a brief overview of the policy development in assisted human reproduction (AHR) in New Zealand. Counsellors, with their specialised knowledge of and skills in the psychosocial area, therefore become the key professionals to manage embryo donation for reproductive purposes within the AHR team in New Zealand. The chapter also provides the context for the discussion of the established guidelines, guidelines that are very firmly based on a child/family approach and which are likely to be regarded as radical. The guidelines are divided into six sections: guidelines relating to donor couples, guidelines relating to recipients, guidelines relating to both donor couples and recipients, guidelines relating to counselling, approval processes and reporting requirements for providers.
