• Mitochondria public consultation 2012
• National Donation Strategy Group
• Multiple births after IVF
• Past reviews
  • Genetic testing
  • Embryo research
  • Fees and regulation
    • Are you ready?
      • New arrangements for the storage of gametes & embryos
      • Get ready - 8th Code of Practice, consent forms and Directions
      • New parenthood laws
      • Compliance cycle
      • Information access for donor-conceived people donors
      • Use of embryos for training
      • Embryo testing
      • Using patient data to help improve fertility treatment
      • Choose a Fertility Clinic
      • Clinic staff portal
      • Persons Responsible Entry Program (PREP)
      • New licences for clinics
    • 7th Code of Practice
    • Standards for Assisted Conception Centres
    • Modernisation of regulation and the new fee strategy
    • Annual fees for licensed centres (EUTCD)
    • Research fees
    • Public attitudes to regulation
  • Risks of treatment
  • Clinical safety
  • Donation

It will be possible for storage of the eggs or sperm to be extended in line with the new legislation. It will be possible to extend sperm or egg storage up to a maximum of 55 years providing that every 10 years the centre obtains a written opinion from a registered medical practitioner that the relevant person is or is likely to become prematurely infertile.

This written opinion can be obtained at any point during the initial 10-year storage period and the sperm or eggs can then be stored for a further 10 years from the date opinion was obtained. The storage period can be extended for further 10-year periods if further written opinions are provided. 

Gamete providers will need to provide written consent to the storage of their eggs or sperm for the extended period.  Consent should be given for the extended period for which the eggs or sperm will be in storage ie, if the eggs or sperm have already been in storage for 10 years and a patient wishes for them to remain in storage for a further 12 years they would need to consent to 12 year’s storage.

Alternatively, gamete providers who have consented to storage of their eggs or sperm under the pre-1 October 2009 law (ie, for 10 years or extension to their 55th birthday) do not need to opt into the new legislation if they do not wish to. The storage period can be extended up to the gamete provider’s 55th birthday, provided that conditions outlined in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period) Regulations 1991 are met. They do not need to renew their consent until the end of the initial consent period is reached.


Consent forms
If consent is provided on or after 1 October 2009 gamete providers should complete the LGS form.

Medical practitioner’s statement
A registered medical practitioner’s written opinion on whether or not the medical criteria for storing eggs or sperm for more than 10 years have been met can be recorded on the new HFEA ‘Medical Practitioner’s Statement form’.

Back to new arrangements for storage home

Page last updated: 11 September 2009

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