The government has introduced a bill to address Canada's position on reproductive technology, including the divisive topics of surrogate mothers, human cloning and stem cell research.

INDEPTH: Reproductive technology in Canada

"This is an important social issue, it's an important issue for families. It's an issue that goes to the very heart of how we construct our families," said Health Minister Anne McLellan shortly after the bill was introduced.

Anne McLellan

McLellan got input from groups including scientists, lobbyists and an all-party committee that examined draft legislation. She said there are many opinions.

MPs split on stem cells

Stem cell research is one of the more controversial issues in the debate.

The bill allows research on embryonic stem cells, but only as a last resort.

Some MPs want research to be limited to adult stem cells, not embryonic cells. Scientists warn this could drive researchers out of the country.

Liberal MP and family physician Carolyn Bennett said the new legislative framework must be "flexible enough to move with new discoveries."

Liberal MP Paul Szabo, who wrote a book on stem cell research, said the committee must address the controversial area.

"I think the committee is going to have to do an awful lot of work on establishing the case for adult stem cells to sustain their recommendation that we concentrate first on adult stem cells and that no licensing for embryonic stem cell research be granted unless it's demonstrated that there are no other non-embryonic sources," Szabo said.

The bill also includes a ban on human cloning.

McLellan said she hopes the bill will be passed by the time the house rises for the summer.

Canada is the only major industrialized nation that doesn't have laws governing reproductive and genetic technologies.