Fertility laws to be reviewed

The government has launched a consultation on fertility treatment and embryo research as it prepares to review existing legislation for the first time in 15 years.

The government pledged to review and update the existing Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, established in 1990, due to scientific advances, such as embryo screening and tissue typing.

The consultation will ask for views on a range of issues, including the screening of embryos for diseases and the creation of ‘designer babies’ in order to help cure siblings’ illnesses.

The consultation will also examine the scope for a ‘lighter touch’ regulation of IVF and the best way to safeguard the welfare of a child born through assisted conception. This will include a discussion on whether a father must be present if someone is to use IVF treatment.

Many lesbian couples and single women have had to resort to using internet sperm banks, which are unregulated, in order to have children. However, the sperm banks could be subject to the same regulations as traditional clinics or banned, under the new proposals.

The role of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the regulator established under the original Act, will also be examined.

Announcing the consultation, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: “The UK has led the way in developing the latest reproductive technologies and our system of regulation is admired across the world. The HFE Act was a landmark piece of legislation, which has stood the test of time well. However, we never expected that the Act would remain forever unchanged in the face of major developments in science and medicine.

“The consultation raises many complex issues on which there are many different and strongly held views. There are important matters of reproductive freedom and responsibility, professional autonomy, and how best to safeguard the welfare of the children.”

The closing date for responses to the consultation is November 25.

(KMcA/SP)