Single women are prohibited from getting pregnant through assisted human reproductive technology like "test-tube baby" technology, according to a newly-revised regulation by the Ministry of Health.

The Technological Criteria, Basic Standards and Ethical Principles on Human Assisted Reproductive Technology also forbids married couples from using the technology to get twins or more in pregnancy.

The regulation urges all the medical institutions and personnel using the technology to offer better service and strictly abide by the state's family planning policy so as to minimize the negative impact of the technology on society, ethics and law.

Identity cards, marriage certificates and birth permits of infertile couples should be checked in order to prevent inappropriate use of the technology by unqualified couples and single women.

Related medical institutions across the country are now making efforts to meet the new requirements, the ministry said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2003)