Statement regarding raffles and fertility treatment
16 March 2010
HFEA is strongly of the view that using a form of raffle to determine who will receive treatment with donor eggs is inappropriate. It trivialises altruistic donation whether of eggs, sperm or embryos and runs contrary to the ethos that, in this country, underpins the regulations that safeguard the status of gametes and embryos and to protect the dignity of donors and recipients.
We are in touch with the UK clinic referred to in recent reports and they are fully aware of our views.
Note: Following constructive discussions with the centre, the Authority can clarify that it has accepted that the Bridge Centre played no part in any activities relating to a possible raffle and would not have done so.
Ends
Notes to editors
- The HFEA is the independent regulator for IVF treatment and embryo research. Our role is to protect patients and the public interest, to drive improvement in the treatment and research sectors and to provide information to the public and policymakers about treatment and research.
- The HFEA was set up in August 1991 as part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. The HFEA’s principal tasks are to license and monitor clinics that carry out in vitro fertilisation (IVF), artificial insemination (AI) and human embryo research. The HFEA also regulates the storage of gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos.
For further information please contact the HFEA press office on 020 7291 8226 or email press.office@hfea.gov.uk
Page last updated: 17 March 2010