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14/12/2006
Fathers scrapped in IVF protocols
The government is to remove the requirement for a father when fertility clinics are deciding on IVF.
This opens the way for lesbian couples and single mothers to be deemed parents under the legislation, effectively removing the requirement for a "father figure".
Launching the White Paper, Caroline Flint said: "The UK is a world leader in reproductive technology and a pioneer in the way it is regulated. But the current law, which has served us well, is in need of revision. Technology has changed and so have attitudes. There are new ways of creating embryos not envisaged when the current Act was drawn up; while new techniques to select the sex of a child and ever-increasing possibilities to screen embryos for diseases are presenting new challenges and dilemmas.
"Many of these issues have profound ethical, legal and social implications, which is why it has been important to seek a wide range of views on all of the proposals. I believe that the proposed changes we are publishing today will ensure that legitimate medical and scientific uses of human reproductive technologies continue to flourish, while giving the public confidence in how they are being used and developed."
IVF clinics will still have to consider the welfare of the infant.
(SP/EF)
This opens the way for lesbian couples and single mothers to be deemed parents under the legislation, effectively removing the requirement for a "father figure".
Launching the White Paper, Caroline Flint said: "The UK is a world leader in reproductive technology and a pioneer in the way it is regulated. But the current law, which has served us well, is in need of revision. Technology has changed and so have attitudes. There are new ways of creating embryos not envisaged when the current Act was drawn up; while new techniques to select the sex of a child and ever-increasing possibilities to screen embryos for diseases are presenting new challenges and dilemmas.
"Many of these issues have profound ethical, legal and social implications, which is why it has been important to seek a wide range of views on all of the proposals. I believe that the proposed changes we are publishing today will ensure that legitimate medical and scientific uses of human reproductive technologies continue to flourish, while giving the public confidence in how they are being used and developed."
IVF clinics will still have to consider the welfare of the infant.
(SP/EF)
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14 February 2005
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
Woman in frozen embryo row takes case to Europe
A British woman, left infertile after cancer treatment, is to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, in order to win the right to use frozen embryos created from her eggs. Natalie Evans was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and decided to undergo IVF treatment with her fiancé, Howard Johnson in 2001.
25 February 2004
Women to be offered one free IVF treatment from 2005
Thousands of women could get one free IVF treatment following new NHS guidelines, the health department has announced today.
Women to be offered one free IVF treatment from 2005
Thousands of women could get one free IVF treatment following new NHS guidelines, the health department has announced today.
12 August 2008
Baby Joy For 'Fast-Freeze' IVF Couple
A British couple have become the first to have a baby using a pioneering IVF technique. Baby Evie, was conceived through "vitrification", to the delight of her parents, Ian and Rebecca Bloomer on 23 July. The couple had attended the IVF clinic at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Baby Joy For 'Fast-Freeze' IVF Couple
A British couple have become the first to have a baby using a pioneering IVF technique. Baby Evie, was conceived through "vitrification", to the delight of her parents, Ian and Rebecca Bloomer on 23 July. The couple had attended the IVF clinic at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
01 October 2003
Women lose right to save frozen embryos
Two women have lost a High Court bid to gain control over their frozen embryos without the consent of their former partners. Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
Women lose right to save frozen embryos
Two women have lost a High Court bid to gain control over their frozen embryos without the consent of their former partners. Natallie Evans, 31, and Lorraine Hadley, 38, had been seeking the High Court to rule on whether they could complete an in vitro fertilization programme that had been commenced with former partners.
25 June 2003
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
