Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It created the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which is in charge of human embryo research, along with monitoring and licensing fertility clinics in the United Kingdom.

The Authority is composed of a chairman, a deputy chairman, and however many members are appointed by the UK Secretary of State. They are in charge of reviewing information about human embryos and subsequent development, provision of treatment services, and activities governed by the Act of 1990. The Authority also offers information and advice to people seeking treatment, and to those who have donated gametes or embryos for purposes or activities covered in the Act of 1990. Some of the subjects under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990 are prohibitions in connection with gametes, embryos, and germ cells. It also addresses licensing conditions, code of practice, and procedure of approval involving human embryos. This only concerns human embryos which have reached the two cell zygote stage, at which they are considered “fertilised” in the act. It also governs the keeping and using of human embryos, but only outside the woman’s body. The act contains amendments to UK law regarding termination of pregnancy, surrogacy and parental rights.