The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is the UK's independent regulator overseeing the use of gametes and embryos in fertility treatment and research.

The HFEA licences centres carrying out In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), other assisted conception procedures and human embryo research, and provides a range of detailed information for patients, professionals, the public and Government.

HFEA Chair, Professor Lisa Jardine was the lead interview on Radio 4's Woman's Hour programme today. Listen again to her interview via the BBC Website. 15/4/2008
Read about the HFEA's progress on the Multiple births review following the April meeting of the Authority. 15/4/2008
Read about the HFEA's public consultation on the use of human-animal embryos. Read about current licensed projects for this research. 25/3/2008

Judy's story

"After two years of trying for a baby we went to our GP and learnt that my husband had no sperm. The GP suggested donor insemination (DI)." Judy tells their story.

Guide to infertility cover image

For Patients and their supporters

About infertility, treatments, choosing a clinic and understanding success rates.

Find a clinic
For Donors and donor-conceived people

About becoming a donor, the donor register and anonymity issues.
How we Regulate treatment and research

Guidelines forming the Code of Practice. Research licences, Directions and letters issues to clinics. Public consultations.

Latest licensing news
About the HFEA What we do

Our background, organisational structure and members. Publications, jobs, & public events.