Issue 37 - January 2012

Mitochondria - public dialogue

The Secretary of State for Health, together with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, have jointly asked the HFEA to seek public views on emerging IVF techniques designed to prevent mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondria are tiny structures present in human cells which produce a cell's energy. Faulty mitochondria give rise to at least 150 genetic diseases which are usually severe. About 1 in 5,000 babies born have a fault in their mitochondrial DNA (around 160 per year).

Emerging IVF techniques may allow women with particular genetic diseases to avoid passing them on to their child.

Our public dialogue will explore what people think about the possible use of these techniques in treatment.

Find out more and how to participate

New Chief Executive appointed

Professor Lisa Jardine, Chair of the HFEA has announced that Peter Thompson has been appointed as the Authority's new Chief Executive.

Peter has had an impressive career in central Government and for the past three years he has been Director of Strategy and Information at the HFEA.

In this role Peter has played a major part in leading the Authority's work on preparations for the new HFE Act, implementation of our policy on Multiple Births and the Donation Review.

Professor Jardine said: "There is nothing more important for the Authority than appointing the right Chief Executive to lead us through the next three years which will pose a real challenge for us. We intend to continue to build on our international reputation as a leading regulator and Peter has all of the qualities we need to take us forward. I am delighted to be able to work with him - and the very talented team we have - to maintain the very high standards we have set."

Peter will take up the post when the current Chief Executive leaves at the end of March.

New multiple births target coming in October 2012

The Authority met on 25 January to consider options for introducing the next maximum multiple birth rate.

After carefully reviewing the progress of centres so far, the Authority decided to set the final (Year 4) maximum multiple birth rate at 10%.

The new rate, which represents the long term aim set in 2007, will come into force on 1 October 2012.

Read more about the changes in a letter sent to the clinics

NGDT donor satisfaction surveys

The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) is currently running a survey for donors about their experience - what was great and what could be improved.

There are separate surveys for egg donors and sperm donors. There's also a survey for people who considered donation but did not go on to do it.

The NGDT works with clinics to improve the experience of people who approach them to become donors.

Take part in the NGDT survey

Page last updated: 08 February 2012