Consultations & reviews of policy
HFEA policies are reviewed regularly. Policy reviews involve extensive research, literature reviews, public consultations and open meetings, and often the commissioning of work from specialists in the field.
The information is then summarised and policy options are presented to the Authority.
Under review
Sperm, egg and embryo donation (SEED) policies evaluation
Over the next few months, leading up to the December 2009 meeting of the Authority, the HFEA will be evaluating the practical impacts of the (SEED) policies that were developed as a result of a policy review in 2005/6.
Case by case decision making in embryo testing
On October 1 2009, the HFEA moved to licensing PGD (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis) on a condition by condition basis. The aim of this project is to evaluate case-by-case licensing.
Are you ready? - changes coming from 1st October 2009
Find out what changes in the Human Fertilisation mean to clinics
Multiple births after IVF
The greatest health risk for women following IVF is a multiple pregnancy. The HFEA carried out a detailed review and public consultation to identify the most suitable policy for reducing these rates.
Past reviews
Read how the HFEA have reviewed its policies over the years. From human reproductive cloning to human-animal hybrids - subjects have covered areas of ethical, scientific and social significance.
Genetic testing
From sex selection to testing embryos for inheritable disorders - our past reviews on genetic testing have covered some controversial and topical issues.
Embryo research
Read about our past reviews in this comparatively new area of research. Policy reviews have covered issues of cloning and of human/animal hybrid research.
Fees and regulation
The HFEA have undertaken a number of public consultations and reviews around the way it regulates and sets standards for fertility treatment and research clinics.
Risks of treatment (Tomorrow's children - Welfare of the child review)
The HFEA gives guidance to clinics on how to go about making a 'welfare of the child' assessment for those seeking fertility treatment. The HFEA undertook a review to find the best method of passing on such guidance.
Clinical safety
Read our past reviews about our policies on safety procedures and regulations at fertility clinics. Topics have covered safe cryopreservation of gametes and embryos and best practice for witnessing the identification of donated samples.
Donation
The HFEA have undertaken a number of policy reviews around matters of donor-assisted conception regulation. They have covered matters from the payment of donors, to donating for research.
Page last updated: 21 April 2009
Find out what fertility treatment options are available and what to expect if you decide to go ahead.