two women in a clinic talking about IVF and infertility

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 licenses fertility clinics and centres carrying out in vitro fertilisation (IVF), other assisted conception procedures and human embryo research.

For patients & their supporters

Choose a fertility clinic

Compare and contrast fertility clinics based on your needs.

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Find out the entire fertility process, step by step, from how to get started to what will happen at the fertility clinic.

Research what infertility is and see what different treatment options are available.

...more for patients & their supporters

For donor-conceived people & their parents

© Yuri Arcurs - Fotolia.comThousands of people in the UK have been born with the help of donated eggs, sperm or embryos.

If you are donor conceived, you are entitled to approach the HFEA to find information about where you came from and if you have any siblings also conceived by donation.

..more for donor-conceived people & their parents

For donors

People donate for many different reasons, including those who already have children of their own and want others to be able to experience the joy of being a parent.

Find out what you should be considering before donating sperm, eggs or embryos and read about how to start the process.

...more about donating

For clinic staff & other professionals

The latest guidance, HFEA forms and procedures for staff members of HFEA licensed clinics. Download the Code of Practice and the latest inspection reports. Logon to read the latest Alerts.

 

...more for clinic staff

For media & researchers

HFEA press releases and news for those interested in keeping up with what’s going on in the fertility sector.

Useful background information and statistics on the HFEA for anybody researching fertility and the HFEA.

...more for media & researchers

New patient publication launched

The HFEA has developed a free guide designed to provide support to people who are about to take their first steps on the fertility treatment journey.

The guide includes sections on the different treatments available, what to expect at a clinic and how to find the right one for you.

 

 ..order your free guide now

Latest from the HFEA

26.7.10
HFEA responds to Arm’s Length Bodies review....read the statement
23.6.10
The HFEA have released a statement regarding a number of internet sites which offer services that claim to put people in touch with potential donors, whether of sperm or eggs. ...read the statement
10.6.10
HFEA launches new 'Getting Started' guide to help 1 in 6 with fertility problems....read the press release
7.6.10
The HFEA have released a statement regarding pregnancy terminations following IVF....read the statement

Using unlicensed sperm websites

The HFEA is aware of a number of internet sites which offer services that claim to put people in touch with potential donors, whether of sperm or eggs. We want to make patients aware that such sites might pose very real risks to people trying to find help.

 

Join our patients' panel - limited places are left!

      

It's not too late to join our new patients' panel.

We are looking for people who are having or have had fertility treatment to take part in our panel 'Fertility - have your say'.

Share your views and experiences on your treatment and help others.

...join the panel now

Understanding fertility clinic success rates

person drawing a graphWhat do clinic success rates really mean? Are they that different between clinics?

...read about clinic success rates

 

What are the risks of multiple pregnancy from fertility treatment?

Review of donation policies

Over the summer and autumn of 2010 the HFEA will be reviewing a number of its policies relating to sperm, egg and embryo donation including:

  • expenses and compensation donors can receive
  • donation between family members
  • the number of families donors can donate to.

 

...find out how you can participate

Support is absolutely vital...infertility treatment can be such a solitary experience.

Caroline, 35, and her husband Andrew have unexplained infertility.

...read Caroline's story