Background briefings

  • New techniques

    Read summaries of the latest treatments and research in the fields of assisted reproduction and embryology.

  • About HFEA regulation

    Discover the key facts about the way the HFEA operates, its role and what its licensing and regulating responsibilities are.

  • Sperm websites

    What is the HFEA's advice to people using unlicensed sperm websites to obtain eggs or sperm for fertility treatment? Find out the latest here.

  • Surrogacy

    Exactly what is involved in surrogacy and what advice does the HFEA give to people thinking of becoming involved in this complex area? Read the key points.

  • Sperm, Egg and Embryo Donation

    The HFEA has recorded information about donors and treatments using donated sperm, eggs and embryos, since it was established on 1st August 1991.

Back to top

Page last updated: 18 March 2009

Parenthood laws

Dictionary definition of 'law'

The law on legal parenthood following fertility treatment 
changed on 6th April 2009.

The change affects both fertility treatment patients and clinics. 

...read more about the law change

Embryo research

Research on a human embryoFind out about human embryo research taking place throughout the UK - including human-animal hybrids and stem cell reseach.

...more about embryo research