HIV and IVF
09 May 2003
A very small number of clinics are helping HIV positive people to have a baby without passing on the infection to their child.
THE HFEA's Code of Practice says that licensed clinics should use the guidelines set out by the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and other professional bodies to handle dangerous pathogens such as HIV.
All hospitals deal with the risks of HIV to both staff and patients on a daily basis whether it is on the wards, in clinics or in accident and emergency. Anybody undergoing IVF treatment would be protected from infection just like all the other thousands of patients going through surgery or having treatment every day.
Suzi Leather, Chair says
"We cannot deny people who are HIV positive the chance to have a healthy baby, unaffected by the virus. Clinics adhere to strict guidelines so other patients needn't be concerned for their safety".
Clearly staff dealing with HIV are at risk of infection themselves so everyone involved in treating these patients will be take these precautions with the utmost seriousness.
Ends
Notes to Editors
The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens give guidelines on handling blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
The Association of Clinical Embryologists has professional guidelines Accreditation Standards and Guidelines for IVF Laboratories.
Examples of these guidelines include:
- Using separate storage equipment for infected embryos
- Laboratories fully equipped to deal with such pathogens
- Staff handling products must wear protective clothing
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