• 2013
• Press releases archive
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2005
  • 2004
  • 2003
  • 2002
  • 2001
  • 2000
  • 1999
  • 1998

15 January 2004

Any person creating or using an embryo outside the body (IVF) in the UK requires a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. As embryo splitting is done in the laboratory it would be illegal to do this in this country without a licence.

The 6th HFEA Code of Practice, paragraph 8.9 (ii) makes it clear that clinics are expected not to produce embryos for treatment by embryo splitting.  If embryos were created in the UK it would not be legal to export them for treatment without an HFEA direction.  Permission to export abroad would not be given if the potential treatment or research was not allowed in the UK.

Reproductive cloning is illegal in the UK (Human Reproductive Cloning Act 2001).

The Human Reproductive Cloning Act 2001 makes it a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine to place into a woman an embryo created by any means other than by fertilisation.

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

• Send to a friend