Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFEA) & Stem Cell Policy

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFEA) & Stem Cell Policy

The Human Fertilization and Embryology Act 1990 regulates ex-vivo human embryo creation and the research involving them. This act established the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to regulate treatment and research in the UK involving human embryos. In 2001, an extension of the HFEA act legalized embryo research for the purposes of “increasing knowledge about the development of embryos,” “increasing knowledge about serious disease,” and “enabling any such knowledge to be applied in developing treatments for serious disease.” The Human and Embryology Authority grants licenses and research permission for up to three years, based on approval of five steps by the Research License Committee.
HFEA policies are reviewed by specialists in the field regularly. After research and literature are reviewed, and open public meetings are held, the summarized information is presented to the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority.

Policy under Review

• Sperm and egg donation-

Donors must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for sperm, egg, or embryo donation. The donor can donate for research purposes or fertility treatment. Donors should find a HFEA licensed clinic, or can go through the National Gamete Donation Trust.

• Multiple births as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF)-

The HFEA is carrying out a detailed review to determine the best way to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies with IVF. For example, Nadya Suleman (or "Octomom") is publicly known for giving birth to octuplets after IVF treatment.

• Review of scientific methods to reduce mitochondrial disease-

This policy allows for the use of techniques which alter the mitochondrial DNA of the egg or an embryo used in IVF, to prevent serious mitochondrial diseases from being inherited.

Past Policy Reviews
The policies reviewed by HFEA cover everything from human reproductive cloning to the creation of human-animal hybrids, and include subjects such as ethics with scientific and social significance.

• Genetic testing-

Sperm, eggs and embryo's received in the donation process are currently tested for many medical conditions, and also quarantined for 6 months to reduce the risk of complications to the mother and child. Other than a screening for genetic disorders, donors are tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

• Embryo research-

Embryos must be donated by a woman between the ages of 18-35 years old, who has also undergone a medical screening and given informed consent (which can be revoked at any point up until the embryo is used).

• Fees and regulation-

£3000 for extraction and initial freezing.

£160 yearly for storage.

£4000-£8000 total per treatment cycle.

• Risks of treatment-

"Welfare of the Child" Review (multiples pregnancy), for people seeking IVF treatment. While there is always a risk of having a multiples pregnancy after receiving IVF treatment, HEFA is reviewing policies which will reduce this dangerous possibility. No more than 2 eggs or embryos can be legally implanted in a woman in an IVF treatment. There is a 25% success rate of this procedure per treatment cycle.

• Clinical safety-

Includes safety procedure regulations at fertility clinics; includes safe cryopreservation of eggs and embryos. Eggs and embryos are stored for 10 years after the initial treatment. If the patient decides not to pursue another pregnancy, the eggs and embryos can be donated for research or to another couple for fertility treatments.

• Donation-

In donor assisted conception regulation, the DONOR does NOT receive monetary compensation (in the UK), aside from having related expenses covered.