• 2013
• Press releases archive
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2005
  • 2004
  • 2003
  • 2002
  • 2001
  • 2000
  • 1999
  • 1998

27 April 2010

In embryology, as in all areas of clinical care, it is not possible to guarantee 100% success. This risk is recognised by all clinical embryologists. We know that when some embryos fail to survive, for the patients this can be a very difficult personal experience, and that is why we insist that these, and other, risks should be explained in advance so that they are understood.

In the period March 2008 – April 2009 there were 334 incidents reported to the HFEA and whilst we take all incidents seriously this represents less than one percent of the more than 50,000 cycles carried out.

The number of reported incidents has increased in the last year which is in part explained by the fact that we extended the scope of our reporting to include OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). OHSS is an acknowledged clinical risk in IVF and in reporting it centres are helping to share lessons about how best to avoid it.

Alongside this the sector has responded positively to the opportunity to share lessons learned from incidents which have been reviewed and investigated and being more positive about reporting incidents.

We do not accept the claim that the HFEA needs reform. We keep our processes and procedures under review and have recently completed a 2 year programme of change designed to bring us up-to-date with new legislation and quality improvement practices.

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: 27 April 2010

• Send to a friend