Donated ovarian tissue in embryo research and assisted conception
Background
The use of tissue obtained from the ovary of a woman, for purposes of infertility treatment and research, is a controversial area of medicine which has generated widespread scientific, ethical and social debate.
In 1994 the HFEA carried out a consultation on the use of donated ovarian tissue for use in research and assisted conception.
Consultation process
The HFEA's principle aim in carrying out the consultation was to inform and stimulate debate on the scientific, ethical and social issues and obtain views from the wider public before reaching its policy decision.
The HFEA published the consultation document ’Donated Ovarian Tissue in Embryo Research and Assisted Conception‘ which outlined the issues surrounding the use of donated ovarian tissue in embryo research and infertility treatment.
The document discussed possible clinical, scientific, ethical and social implications of using ovarian tissue in research and/or treatment from three sources:
- live donors
- women or girls who have died
- aborted foetuses.
The HFEA consulted with a number of stakeholders and received feedback from individuals, organisations, schools, religious and community groups, professional bodies and licensed centres.
Consultation outcome
At its July 1994 meeting The Authority considered the findings of the consultation and concluded that it would only be acceptable to use ovarian tissue from live donors in embryo research and assisted conception.
The Authority concluded that it had no objection in principle to the use of cadaveric tissue from adult women who had given consent; but that it would not currently approve its use.
The Authority did not consider the use of fetal ovarian tissue to be acceptable in the treatment of infertile women.
The Authority reached its conclusions from balancing the benefits against the risk of harm and using guiding principles such as:respect for human life at all stages of developmentthe recognition of the benefits which can flow from the responsible pursuit of human knowledgea concern for the welfare of children the interests of infertile people.
Further information
- Consultation report (2.71 Mb)
- Consultation document (660.75 Kb)
Page last updated: 13 January 2012
