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04 June 2001

To:  All Persons Responsible

Dear Colleague,

STORAGE OF EMBRYOS

Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos) Regulations 1996

Licensed clinics need to have in place systems to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Human Fertilisation and (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos) Regulations 1996 for embryos in storage since 1st August 1991 or before. By the 31st July 2001 each centre must identify embryos as they reach their respective end of storage date and ensure disposal of embryos by that date.

In special circumstances embryos may be stored longer than the statutory period of 10 years. To store embryos for more than 10 years, the storing centre must have written confirmation of consent to extended storage and 2 medical opinions on file that confirm that one of the gamete providers, or if she is not one of them, the woman being treated has or is likely to become prematurely and completely infertile.

A copy of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos) Regulations 1996 has been enclosed for your information.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 14 April 2009

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