Statement: HFEA responds to the Government’s proposals on the future of the HFEA

21 September 2012

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has today published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposals to transfer the HFEA’s functions to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other bodies.

The consultation issued by the Department of Health in June seeks views on three options:

  1. That all of the functions of the HFEA are transferred to the Care Quality
    Commission, with the exception of those relating to research which would transfer to the Health Research Authority (the Government’s preferred option)
  2. That the functions of the HFEA are transferred to a range of bodies
  3. That the HFEA should retain its existing functions but deliver further efficiencies

We have carefully considered and addressed each proposed option. The arguments have drawn us to the conclusion that it is option 3 which delivers the highest quality regulation at the most efficient cost.

Our support for option 3 is not because we believe we are perfect. Over the past 3 years we have made substantial efficiencies and improvements to the way we work – we can go further.

We believe that an expert dedicated regulator is best placed to maintain public trust and manage risk in what is still a highly charged area of medicine.

ENDS

Notes to editors

  • The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) 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. See www.hfea.gov.uk for further details.
  • Total expenditure is down by 25%, public subsidy down by 33%, staffing down by 20% and we have introduced a 28% reduction in the fees we charge to the sector.

Contact the press office

HFEA Press Office
Tel: 020 7291 8226

Email: press.office@hfea.gov.uk

Out of hours urgent press contact: 07771 981 920 (for media enquiries only)

Page last updated: 27 September 2012