HFEA 2004/5 Business Plan
12 May 2004
The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority has announced the policy areas identified for review as part of its 2004/5 HFEA Business Plan.
Speaking at the HFEA's public meeting Suzi Leather, HFEA Chair said:
"The HFEA operates in a fast moving area of science so it is important that it continues to keep all its policies under constant review.
As part of the preparation for the government's review of the HFE Act and the legislation governing assisted conception in the UK, the HFEA is conducting targeted policy reviews. These reviews will include the policy areas surrounding sperm, egg and embryo donation, pre-implantation tissue typing and the welfare of the child assessment."
Welfare of the Child
All licensed fertility clinics are required to take account of the welfare of any child born through assisted conception - along with the welfare of any existing children in the family. In reviewing this policy the HFEA will look at possible inconsistencies in the application of the welfare of the child assessment.
Pre-implantation tissue typing
The technique of tissue typing to select embryos for transfer can provide a tissue-matched sibling for an existing child. Blood stem cells taken from the resulting baby's umbilical cord could be used to treat and cure a seriously ill sibling. In reviewing this policy area the HFEA will look at developments in science and law and the ethical debate surrounding pre-implantation tissue typing.
Sperm, egg and embryo donation
A review of this policy area will take into account the proposed changes in legislation. The HFEA will look at issues such as the age limits for donors, limits of live births per donor, laboratory screening and storage periods.
Ends
Notes to editors
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), donor insemination (DI) 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.
Page last updated: 12 March 2009