Statement on recent study suggesting link between ICSI treatment and occurrence of autism
03 July 2013
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has suggested an increased risk of mental retardation and autism in those children born through ICSI, specifically where the sperm used has been surgically extracted from the father.
It is important to remember that the increased risk seen in the study was small and that the chance of such disorders remains low.
If patients do have concerns, they should speak to their treating clinician.
The HFEA keeps abreast of scientific and clinical advances in fertility treatment through its scientific advisory committee. The committee reviews research of this kind and advises the Authority if it is necessary to change information for patients on our website or to our Code of Practice for clinics.
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Notes to editors
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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 / jay.stone@hfea.gov.uk
Page last updated: 03 July 2013