• Directions
• Chair's letters
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2007-2010
  • 2003-2006
  • 1999-2002
  • 1995-1998
  • 1991-1994
• Chief Executive's letters
• Multiple Births Minimisation Strategy: achievements and compliance
• Frequently used guidance
• Do I need to be registered by either the CQC or licensed by the HTA?
• Retrieval of storage of gametes where patients are unable to consent
• Surrogacy and legal parenthood – changes from 1 October 2013

01 February 1995

To: Persons responsible at HFEA
licensed clinics and HFEA Inspectors

Dear Colleague

Statutory Storage Period for Embryos
I am pleased to enclose a copy of the HFEA report to the Secretary of State on the statutory period for embryos which the Department of Health has published today. Also enclosed is a copy of the Press release issued by the Department of Health.

The Government intends to lay regulations which will give effect to the Authority's recommendation that the maximum storage period should be extended.

Clinics will need to examine the report and consider its implications for their patients. The advice that I gave in the policy update letter dated 27 November is also still relevant as patients will need to reconsider their existing consents and their future intentions.

Particular consideration will also need to be given in cases, for example where the clinic has lost contact with the patient, where embryos will still be subject to consents allowing for five years' storage, and may therefore have to be destroyed.

If you require any further information or advice, please contact your inspector coordinator or Hugh Whittall on the number below.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 14 April 2009

• Send to a friend