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10 May 2006

Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said:

"Any UK research project involving human embryos cannot take place until it has been approved by the HFEA. This includes close scrutiny of how any eggs, sperm and embryos are obtained for that particular project.

"Finding an acceptable source of human eggs for use in research requires much consideration - currently, the main sources are: eggs that failed-to-fertilise during IVF cycles or eggs donated from women undergoing sterilisation.

"A paper was presented to the Authority today requesting a decision on the appropriateness of allowing altruistic egg donation – either from women who wish to donate purely for research or from women who are participating in an egg-sharing scheme and receiving discounted fertility treatment as a result.

"This is a complex issue, given researchers have stated the need for high quality eggs in order to conduct effective research and the ethical consideration of allowing women to undergo the risks of the hormonal stimulation and medical procedure needed to obtain the eggs.

"Much additional information has come to light in the few months since the Authority first considered this issue. Reports were tabled today on a recent meeting on the consequences of Professor Hwang's actions in South Korea, and on the condition OHSS (Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome) – a serious condition which can occur when women are stimulated to produce eggs.

"We are very aware of a range of strong and contrasting views among professionals on these issues and that the professional bodies will be discussing related practice in this area in the Autumn.

"The Authority was concerned about lack of proper information on why women donate eggs and the consequences of egg sharing. There was particular concern about the availablility of proper information for women about the donation process and how to ensure there was properly informed consent.

"The Authority today heard that there are international concerns that could limit the potential of research if there were concerns about how eggs are donated. We also need to make sure there is a proper whistleblowing policy to ensure that researchers are able to make any concerns known as quickly as possible.

"The extent and range of views from professionals and other concerned people became very evident in our deliberations today. We are now going to prepare a proper consultation programme in this area so we can ensure that any policy we develop in this area takes account of the full range of evidence and views.

"This will not affect research projects that have already been licensed under current guidance and the Authority will reconvene on this issue when they are satisfied that they have the full range of opinions and evidence needed to make this decision properly."

For further details, please contact the HFEA Press Office.

Page last updated: 11 March 2009

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