Press releases

23.1.12

New Chief Executive appointed
Professor Lisa Jardine, Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), today announced that Peter Thompson has been appointed as the Authority’s new Chief Executive.

19.1.12

HFEA to consult on ethics of 'mitochondria transfer'*
The Secretary of State for Health together with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills have jointly asked the HFEA to seek public views on emerging IVF techniques designed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease.

12.1.12

Statement on embryo transfer study
A multiple birth is the single biggest risk of IVF for both mothers and babies. However, it is a risk that can be avoided by the transfer of one embryo to those patients who are most likely to have twins.

...more press releases

Facts and figures

• Quick facts about fertility: What is the scale and causes of infertility in the UK? What are the possible problems with treatment abroad or surrogacy? Get the facts.
• Latest national data: 2008 national live birth rates for IVF, donor insemination and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.
• History of IVF: Read chronological statistics, reports and key events since the birth of baby Louise Brown in 1978, including links to the relevant legislation and reports.

...more facts and figures

Background briefings

• New techniques: Read summaries of the latest treatments and research in the fields of assisted reproduction and embryology.
• About HFEA regulation: Discover the key facts about the way the HFEA operates, its role and what its licensing and regulating responsibilities are.
• Sperm websites: What is the HFEA’s position on people using unlicensed sperm websites to obtain eggs or sperm for fertility treatment? Find out the latest.

...background briefings