Statement on IVF lottery
06 July 2011
The HFEA is strongly of the view that using IVF as ‘prize’ in a lottery is wrong and entirely inappropriate. To do so runs counter to the ethos that underpins our regulatory system and clinical practice. It trivialises what is for many people a central part of their lives.
We understand and sympathise with those who face the financial burden of treatment which we know from patients can be considerable. We will be in touch with the charity concerned and the centres that seem to be involved to ensure they are aware of our view.
Notes to editors
- The HFEA is the independent regulator for IVF treatment and embryo research. Our role is to protect patients and defend standards, to drive improvement in the treatment and research sectors and to provide information to the public and policymakers about treatment and research. We are not an economic regulator.
- 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: 06 July 2011