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A summary of the one hundred and eighth meeting of the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on 25 May 2001.

Matters arising from the minutes of the March Authority meeting

The minutes of the March Authority meeting were approved.

The Chairman informed Members that the police investigation into the Hampshire Clinics was ongoing. Members were informed that the initial judgement on the application for Judicial Review concerning the transfer of more than three embryos had been upheld during a second oral hearing. Members were told that the claimant had lodged an appeal against this decision with the Court of Appeal and had submitted further information for the Authority's consideration. It was agreed that this matter would be discussed again at the June Authority meeting. Members were informed that the Minister had approved the 5th Edition of the Code of Practice without further amendment and it had been laid before Parliament. Copies of the new Code would be distributed to centres and would go live on the web site at the beginning of June. The Chairman informed Members that a date had been set for the meeting on ICSI follow up. This would take place on the 19 July 2001 and a preliminary report from this meeting would be given at the July HFEA meeting.

Chairman's Business

The Chairman informed Members that two new Members had been appointed to the Authority. The new Members were Mr Ivor Brecker, a dental surgeon and Mr Simon Jenkins, a journalist.

Discussion Paper

HFEA Embryo Transfer Policy
Members were reminded that the professional guidelines from the BFS and the RCOG emphasised that multiple births should be avoided as far as possible. Members noted that the current upper limit of three had remained unchanged in the Code of Practice since it was first published. The general consensus of Members was that a new policy promoting two embryo transfers and three in exceptional circumstances should be adopted. Members considered the best method of communicating the new embryo transfer policy to centres and the general public.

Chief Executive's Business

The Chief Executive updated Members on the plans to draft a business plan to examine how to optimise the delivery of the HFEA's statutory responsibilities with regard to the Register. Members were informed that a review of the billing process had already started. Members noted that the quality assurance consultants appointed by the Department of Health would shortly be starting their meetings with Executive staff. The Chief Executive updated Members on the current situation relating to accommodation. It was hoped that following meetings with the HFEA's property advisors it was more likely that the HFEA would remain in Paxton House. A brief review was given to Members of the recommendation put forward by the HFEA's special issues working group regarding aneuploidy screening. Members were informed that a paper outlining the recommendations would be presented to the Authority at a future meeting. Recent licensing activity was reported and Members were informed that due to concerns expressed by licence committees a number of centres had been given short licences. In addition, a number of licence committees had expressed concerns about egg sharing practices.

Reports from Committees and Working Groups

Reports were presented from a number of sub committees. The Code of Practice Committee reported on their discussions of the HFEA's embryo transfer policy, the Welfare of the Child guidance in the Code of Practice and the implementation of screening procedures for patients storing gametes, embryos and ovarian/testicular tissue.

The Licensing and Fees Committee reported on their discussions on the review of research licensing, the release of inspection reports and data sheets. The Organisation and Finance Committee reported on their discussions and approval of the draft business and corporate plans and draft budget. The Working Group on New Developments in Reproductive Technology reported on their discussions of cell nuclear transfer in oocytes and the derivation of embryonic stem cells, safety and efficacy of using sperm extracted from frozen-thawed testicular tissue, the methodology for the evaluation of evidence and ICSI children follow up.

Any Other Business

Members were informed that two Chairman's letters would shortly be circulated to centres on the statutory storage period Regulations for embryos and gametes.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Authority meeting is Thursday 28 June 2001.

Page last updated: 24 October 2011

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